First Indian Dust Detector Reveals Continuous Space Dust Strikes on Earth

ISRO has achieved a major scientific breakthrough with its Dust EXperiment (DEX) instrument detecting interplanetary dust particles continuously striking Earth’s atmosphere. The indigenous detector, flown aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module, recorded space dust impacts every 1,000 seconds — offering crucial insights for future deep-space missions and spacecraft safety.

ISRO’s DEX Detects Interplanetary Dust ‘Bombardment’ on Earth

India achieved another major milestone in planetary science and space safety, with ISRO confirming that Earth is constantly struck by microscopic particles drifting through space.

ISRO announced that its maiden home-built dust detector has successfully identified Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDP), describing them as “a cosmic invader striking every thousand seconds” on Earth.

India’s First Indigenous Dust Detector Makes Breakthrough

The Dust EXperiment (DEX) marks a significant achievement for Indian space research. It is the first Indian-designed instrument launched aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) in 2025.

According to ISRO, Interplanetary Dust Particles are remnants of ancient comets and asteroids that create the mysterious meteor layer in Earth’s upper atmosphere — the same debris seen as shooting stars at night.

“Interplanetary Dust Particles (IDPs) are microscopic shrapnel from comets and asteroids that form our atmosphere's mysterious ‘meteor layer’, and show up as ‘shooting star’ in the night.”

Advanced Technology Designed for Deep-Space Safety

Developed by ISRO’s Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, DEX is tuned specifically to detect high-speed IDPs and record their impacts. The instrument is helping scientists refine models for future deep-space missions.

DEX is tuned to hunt for high-speed IDPs and hear impacts, capturing vital data that redefines the understanding of the universe and charts the path for safe human deep-space missions.

Proven Performance in Orbit

ISRO revealed that DEX successfully logged multiple dust strikes during its orbital operation.

“The 140 degree wide-view detector successfully logged signals of orbital debris' (dust) impacts during January 1, 2024, to February 9, 2024, confirming the instrument's capability to identify and measure such events.”

Orbiting at a 9.5-degree inclination, the instrument detected repeated impacts — reinforcing the idea that Earth is under constant micro-bombardment from space.

“Skimming Earth's atmosphere on a 9.5 inclination, the detector registered several hits – a cosmic invader striking every thousand seconds.”

Compact Yet Powerful Engineering

Despite weighing only three kilograms, DEX is built on advanced hyper-velocity detection technology.

DEX is a three kg dust detector based on the "cutting-edge hypervelocity principle designed to capture high-speed space dust impacts with only 4.5 Watt power consumption".

The payload flew aboard the PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission and reached 350 km altitude.

Why This Discovery Matters

DEX delivered one of the most detailed datasets on incoming interplanetary dust so far — confirming continuous micro-particle entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

ISRO emphasized that such measurements are missing for other planets, making DEX a path-breaking prototype.

“At present, we have no measurements of cosmic dust in the thick atmosphere of Venus or in the thin atmosphere of the red planet Mars.”

Blueprint for Future Planetary Missions

ISRO notes that DEX could be used on missions to Mars, Venus, or even the Moon.

“DEX is a blueprint of the detector that can study the cosmic dust particle at any planet having atmosphere or no atmosphere.”

Enhancing Mission Safety

Beyond science, DEX plays a pivotal role in monitoring environment risks for spacecraft.

ISRO highlighted the importance of understanding IDP activity to protect satellites, space stations, and future human crews venturing deeper into space.

A Step Toward Safer Space Exploration

The continuous flow of cosmic dust may seem harmless — but high-speed particles can damage spacecraft surfaces, solar panels, and instruments.

With DEX, ISRO now has real-time capability to:

• study IDP patterns

• measure threats to satellites

• design stronger spacecraft

• prepare for human missions to the Moon and Mars

ISRO’s findings reinforce India’s expanding leadership in space research and planetary exploration.