[syncsynchalt]

By definition of a pure spaceship / glider, no it can't. If it emits persistent "exhaust" that's a "smoking ship"[0].

[0] https://conwaylife.com/wiki/Types_of_spaceships#Smoking_ship

[quuxplusone]

IIUC, "smoke" is ephemeral by definition. A spaceship/glider that leaves persistent "debris" in its wake is called a "puffer":

https://conwaylife.com/wiki/puffer

[HTHThreee]

Smoke refers to fairly long lived debris that eventually dies out, the term for one that leaves permanent debris is a puffer.