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Infrasound Detection of the OSIRIS-REx Re-Entry: Signal Characteristics

Sample Return Capsules (SRCs) enter Earth’s atmosphere with energies equivalent to decimeter-scale meteoroids. Upon entering dense regions of the atmosphere, these objects generate shockwaves, which decay to low frequency sound. These acoustic waves can be detected by sensitive instruments positioned on the ground and on high-altitude platforms. Since SRCs are well-characterized objects with known parameters (speed, mass, size, etc.), their re-entries can be leveraged towards studying meteor phenomena, characterizing high-altitude shockwave dynamics, improving entry and propagation models, and advancing global monitoring efforts. On September 24, 2023, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx sample return capsule (SRC) successfully brought particles of the nearby asteroid Bennu to Earth. The sample return capsule generated shockwaves as it entered the atmosphere, traversing California, Nevada and Utah before landing at the UTTR. We deployed infrasound and seismic sensors in Nevada and Utah to capture the signals as a function of distance from the trajectory and from different parts of the trail. We will discuss signal characteristics different stations, and how these might relate to SRC altitude and point(s) along the trajectory. The results have implications for future observational efforts on Earth as well as capturing shockwave signatures on other planetary bodies with atmospheres (e.g., Mars, Titan, Venus). SNL is managed and operated by NTESS under DOE NNSA contract DE-NA0003525

Session: The OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule Re-entry: Geophysical Observations [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Room: Exhibit Hall

Date: 5/1/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Elizabeth Silber

Student Presenter: No

Additional Authors