Earthquake-detecting seismometers can track falling debris from space
2 months ago
- #seismology
- #environmental risk
- #space debris
- Space debris poses risks when falling to Earth, prompting the development of a new tracking method using seismometers.
- Researchers used seismometer data to track the re-entry of China's Shenzhou-15 spacecraft module, estimating its trajectory and potential landing sites.
- The method provides near real-time data, improving the speed and accuracy of locating debris, which can carry toxic or radioactive materials.
- Traditional radar tracking can be inaccurate by thousands of miles; seismic data offers a complementary approach by capturing the actual trajectory post-atmospheric entry.
- The study highlights the growing problem of space debris and the need for multiple tracking methodologies to mitigate risks to humans and the environment.