The growing number of satellites in space poses a danger to Earth because of the pollution released in their launches, scientists have warned. In recent years, many companies including Elon Musk ’s SpaceX have rushed to launch “megaconstellations” of satellites, using them to provide internet connections. That has led to a range of problems, including warnings from scientists that the satellites are clogging up the sky. That brings an increased risk of collisions – which experts warn could rapidly make space inaccessible. Now scientists have warned that the launches themselves are also polluting space. By the end of the decade, such launches will account for 42 per cent the climate impact from space sector pollution, they warn. When rockets are launched carrying the satellites, they put black carbon or soot into the upper atmosphere. That lasts much longer than the soot generated on the ground – leading to a 540 times more significant impact on the environment.…