Phys.org SpaceX rocket left behind a plume of chemical pollution as it burnt up in the atmosphere Astrobitica February 20, 2026 (Last updated: February 20, 2026) 1 minute read Space junk returning to Earth is introducing metal pollution to the pristine upper atmosphere as it burns up on re-entry, a new study has found. About the Author Astrobitica Administrator Visit Website View All Posts Post navigation Previous: DNA analysis illuminates the lives of East Marshall Street Well individualsNext: NASA’s Techno-Wizardry Grants The Perseverance Rover Greater Autonomy Related Stories Phys.org Astronomers catch hot birth of galaxy cluster more than 11 billion light-years away Astrobitica August 19, 2026 Phys.org Mars attacks: How much dust from the red planet is safe to breathe? Astrobitica August 18, 2026 Phys.org NASA’s LRO images Falcon 9 crater on moon, learns new details Astrobitica August 18, 2026