Story perspectives

New Method Tracks Space Debris Using Earthquake Sensors

1/30/2026

42 6

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a method to track space debris using existing earthquake sensors, detecting sonic booms and providing real-time speed and trajectory data.
The method was tested on China's Shenzhou-15 spacecraft, reentering on April 2, 2024.
Analysis showed the module traveled faster than Mach 25 and broke apart over Southern California.
This advancement could help address space debris risks by enabling timely tracking to aid recovery.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a method to track space debris using existing earthquake sensors, detecting sonic booms and providing real-time speed and trajectory data.
The method was tested on China's Shenzhou-15 spacecraft, reentering on April 2, 2024.
Analysis showed the module traveled faster than Mach 25 and broke apart over Southern California.
This advancement could help address space debris risks by enabling timely tracking to aid recovery.