Scientists have developed a new method to track falling space debris in real time using data from existing earthquake sensors, offering greater safety and faster response to potential hazards.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Imperial College London demonstrated that seismic sensors, already installed worldwide, can detect the sonic booms of debris entering the atmosphere. The technique was successfully applied to a 1.5-ton module from China’s Shenzhou 17 spacecraft, which landed hundreds of kilometers off previous predictions.
Benjamin Fernando, lead author of the study, said radar and optical tracking work in orbit but atmospheric entry makes debris paths unpredictable. “Ground radars are limited and cannot track debris breakups effectively. Our method provides real-time data for authorities to act faster,” he added.
The system analysed signals from 127 earthquake sensors across California to trace the module’s fall, showing it deviated about 40 kilometers from U.S. Space Command estimates.
Experts say this innovation could improve monitoring of returning satellites, spent rockets, and other orbital debris, reducing risks to populated areas and infrastructure.
This breakthrough highlights the growing importance of using existing global monitoring networks for space safety and disaster preparedness.
With inputs from NDTV