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Acoustic Sensors Detect Spacecraft's Sample Return Capsule Plummeting Into Earth's Atmosphere

The article from MSN discusses the use of acoustic sensors to detect the reentry of spacecraft sample return capsules into Earth's atmosphere. These sensors, part of a global network known as the International Monitoring System (IMS), are primarily designed to detect nuclear explosions but have proven effective in tracking the sonic booms created by spacecraft reentering at high speeds. Recently, these sensors successfully detected the reentry of NASA's OSIRIS-REx capsule, which brought back samples from the asteroid Bennu. The detection of such events not only confirms the functionality of these sensors for their intended purpose but also highlights their utility in space exploration, providing real-time data on the location and trajectory of returning space objects. This dual-use technology showcases an innovative application of existing global monitoring systems in enhancing space mission safety and success.

Read the Full IFLScience Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/acoustic-sensors-detect-spacecraft-s-sample-return-capsule-plummeting-into-earth-s-atmosphere/ar-AA1Arvrl ]