Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI)
Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) is a geoengineering technique that involves the injection of reflective particles into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and cool the planet. One method for SAI is to use modified military refueling aircraft to inject sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere.
Research: Solar radiation management (SRM)
The process involves modifying aircraft such as the US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker or the Boeing KC-46 Pegasus to carry tanks of sulfur dioxide gas, which would then be converted into sulfate aerosols using on-board generators. The aerosols would then be released into the stratosphere through a series of nozzles mounted on the aircraft.
This method has been proposed as a potential solution to counteract global warming caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions. By reflecting sunlight back into space, SAI could potentially cool the planet and reduce the effects of climate change.
However, there are concerns about the potential environmental and health impacts of this technique, as well as its effectiveness and feasibility. Some experts have warned that SAI could have unintended consequences such as damaging the ozone layer or altering precipitation patterns.
In addition, there are also ethical considerations surrounding geoengineering techniques such as SAI, including questions about who should be responsible for making decisions about their use and how they should be regulated.
SRM methods pictured above.
Overall, while modified military refueling aircraft may offer a potential method for performing stratospheric aerosol injection, further research and consideration of its potential impacts and ethical implications are needed before any large-scale implementation can be considered.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
1. National Academy of Sciences
2. American Geophysical Union
3. Environmental Research Letters
Organic Web Results:
Stratospheric Aerosol Injection | A SRM Geoengineering Climate ...The approach involves spraying reflective sulfate aerosol particles into the stratosphere with high altitude airplanes, tethered balloons, high-altitude blimps ...geoengineering.global
Stratospheric aerosol injectionStratospheric aerosol injection is a proposed method of solar geoengineering (or solar radiation modification) to reduce global warming.en.m.wikipedia.org
Stratospheric aerosol injection tactics and costs in the first 15 years ...Res. Lett. 7 034019), we conclude that no existing aircraft design—even with extensive modifications—can reasonably fulfill this mission.iopscience.iop.org
(PDF) Stratospheric aerosol injection tactics and costs in the first 15 years of ...We review the capabilities and costs of various lofting methods intended to deliver sulfates into the lower stratosphere.www.researchgate.net
C2G Evidence Brief: Stratospheric Aerosol Injection and its GovernanceThis briefing summarises the latest evidence around Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI), a form of Solar Radiation Modification (SRM).www.c2g2.net
