11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
[MTT39-10] Optimizing Infrasound Observations for Sample Return Capsules re-entry
Keywords:Infrasound, Shockwave, Sample Return Capsule, Atmospheric re-entry
The atmospheric entry of meteoroids is a rare and unpredictable natural phenomenon, posing challenges for active observation. However, the study of such events plays a crucial role in disaster mitigation, acoustic wave propagation, and the understanding of atmospheric structures. In contrast, the atmospheric re-entry of sample return capsules (SRCs) from space missions follows predictable trajectories and re-entry dynamics, allowing for planned observations. Observing the propagation of shockwaves generated during SRC re-entry provides a valuable opportunity to understand the nature of atmospheric acoustic waves and their propagation characteristics.
On December 5, 2020, the Hayabusa2 SRC re-entered the atmosphere and landed in the Woomera Desert, Australia. To monitor this event, 28 portable infrasound sensors were deployed in seven observation arrays. This sensor configuration enabled the precise determination of the SRC’s three-dimensional trajectory and the analysis of shockwaves. The results of this observation led to new insights into the propagation of acoustic waves through the atmosphere, revealing the characteristics of the shockwaves generated during re-entry. However, the landing sites typically chosen for SRCs, such as deserts and other remote locations, make it difficult to deploy extensive observation networks due to physical and operational constraints.
On September 24, 2023, the OSIRIS-REx SRC re-entered the atmosphere and landed at the Utah Test and Training Range in the United States. To monitor this event, we deployed a small-scale observation array consisting of four infrasound sensors at Eureka Airport, Nevada. Although this limited network could not provide a full three-dimensional trajectory determination, it allowed for the observation of acoustic waves beneath the SRC’s trajectory, confirming its path. By comparing data from Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx, we obtained valuable insights into the shockwave generation mechanisms and characteristics of SRCs.
This study aims to improve trajectory estimation accuracy and deepen our understanding of acoustic wave propagation in the atmosphere by using infrasound data from SRC re-entries. Additionally, it explores the impact of array size on data analysis and discusses strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of infrasound sensor deployment with limited observation resources. Furthermore, it suggests that the acoustic data obtained during SRC re-entries could contribute to the establishment of observational methodologies for future return missions of artificial objects.
The findings of this research will contribute to a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of acoustic wave propagation in the atmosphere and improve scientific observation techniques. Furthermore, the study has significant implications for disaster response and space exploration applications, providing insights that could enhance observation planning and analytical methods for future missions and contribute to the advancement of research.
On December 5, 2020, the Hayabusa2 SRC re-entered the atmosphere and landed in the Woomera Desert, Australia. To monitor this event, 28 portable infrasound sensors were deployed in seven observation arrays. This sensor configuration enabled the precise determination of the SRC’s three-dimensional trajectory and the analysis of shockwaves. The results of this observation led to new insights into the propagation of acoustic waves through the atmosphere, revealing the characteristics of the shockwaves generated during re-entry. However, the landing sites typically chosen for SRCs, such as deserts and other remote locations, make it difficult to deploy extensive observation networks due to physical and operational constraints.
On September 24, 2023, the OSIRIS-REx SRC re-entered the atmosphere and landed at the Utah Test and Training Range in the United States. To monitor this event, we deployed a small-scale observation array consisting of four infrasound sensors at Eureka Airport, Nevada. Although this limited network could not provide a full three-dimensional trajectory determination, it allowed for the observation of acoustic waves beneath the SRC’s trajectory, confirming its path. By comparing data from Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx, we obtained valuable insights into the shockwave generation mechanisms and characteristics of SRCs.
This study aims to improve trajectory estimation accuracy and deepen our understanding of acoustic wave propagation in the atmosphere by using infrasound data from SRC re-entries. Additionally, it explores the impact of array size on data analysis and discusses strategies for maximizing the effectiveness of infrasound sensor deployment with limited observation resources. Furthermore, it suggests that the acoustic data obtained during SRC re-entries could contribute to the establishment of observational methodologies for future return missions of artificial objects.
The findings of this research will contribute to a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of acoustic wave propagation in the atmosphere and improve scientific observation techniques. Furthermore, the study has significant implications for disaster response and space exploration applications, providing insights that could enhance observation planning and analytical methods for future missions and contribute to the advancement of research.