Machine Learning for Semi-Automated Meteorite Recovery

TL;DR

This paper introduces a machine learning-based method utilizing drones and neural networks to efficiently detect and recover meteorites from fall sites, demonstrating high detection accuracy and false-positive reduction.

Contribution

The novel approach combines drone imaging and neural networks for meteorite detection, enabling effective localization and recovery across diverse terrains.

Findings

Detection rate of 75-97% in field tests

Successfully identified 3 meteorites using the method

Generalizes to different terrain features

Abstract

We present a novel methodology for recovering meteorite falls observed and constrained by fireball networks, using drones and machine learning algorithms. This approach uses images of the local terrain for a given fall site to train an artificial neural network, designed to detect meteorite candidates. We have field tested our methodology to show a meteorite detection rate between 75-97%, while also providing an efficient mechanism to eliminate false-positives. Our tests at a number of locations within Western Australia also showcase the ability for this training scheme to generalize a model to learn localized terrain features. Our model-training approach was also able to correctly identify 3 meteorites in their native fall sites, that were found using traditional searching techniques. Our methodology will be used to recover meteorite falls in a wide range of locations within globe-spanning fireball networks.