Overview
- Researchers repurposed regional seismometer networks to detect sonic-boom shock waves and derive trajectory, speed, altitude and fragmentation of reentering objects.
- The Shenzhou‑15 orbital module was tracked at roughly Mach 25 to 30 as it passed northeast over Santa Barbara and Las Vegas.
- Seismic observations provided a post‑entry track that differed from orbital predictions by about 25 miles, offering independent verification after atmospheric entry.
- The team proposes automating detection and trajectory pipelines to deliver rapid estimates that could speed debris recovery and guide toxic particulate assessments.
- No Shenzhou‑15 debris has been recovered, underscoring the need for validation and improved coverage as uncontrolled reentries grow more frequent.