Cold War Sensors offer Unexpected Solution to Space Junk Tracking
Space debris that enters Earth’s atmosphere typically falls over remote and sparsely monitored areas, making tracking and analysis arduous. However, scientists have discovered an innovative solution: repurposing infrasound sensors originally deployed during the Cold War to detect nuclear explosions.
From Nuclear watchdogs to Space Debris Detectives
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Association (CTBTO) manages these highly sensitive devices, initially designed to capture sound waves generated by nuclear tests. Their exceptional sensitivity allows them to register sounds caused by meteoroids or satellite fragments traversing the atmosphere at high speeds.
Did you know? Infrasound waves can travel thousands of kilometers with minimal loss of intensity, making them ideal for atmospheric monitoring.
According to researchers at Sandia National laboratories, the global infrasound network offers uninterrupted monitoring 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without being affected by climatic conditions.
A Sonic Pattern in the Sky
Elizabeth Silber leads a team using this network to analyze the trajectories of objects returning from space. Rather of a single explosion-like sound, the infrasound signature is more complex.
The infrasonid of a car is more like a sonic patterning extended by the sky than to a single explosion. It must be taken into account that the sound is generated along the flight trajectory.
Elizabeth Silber
To address this complexity, Silber developed a specialized computational model called BIBEX-M. This model reconstructs entry trajectories from subtle variations in detected sound signals.The research indicates that steeper entry angles, exceeding 60 degrees, allow for more precise tracking.
The Growing Threat of Space Debris
Accurately tracking space debris is crucial for anticipating potential impact zones and implementing necessary precautions.The European Space agency (ESA) has issued warnings about the increasing risk posed by over 130 million pieces of space junk larger than a millimeter orbiting Earth.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about space debris tracking initiatives and safety guidelines from organizations like ESA to understand the risks and mitigation efforts.
