NASA Develops Device That Can Detect Even the Slightest Movement of Victims Trapped Under Debris

NASA has developed a groundbreaking device capable of detecting the faintest movements of human bodies trapped under rubble after disasters such as earthquakes, avalanches, and building collapses. This innovative technology, named FINDER, has already proven its life-saving potential. It was successfully deployed in 2023 to help rescue survivors buried beneath debris after the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

The device is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It was designed specifically to locate people who are alive but unable to communicate their presence to rescuers.

How FINDER Works

FINDER, which stands for Finding Individuals for Disaster and Emergency Response, utilizes highly sensitive microwave radar sensors that can detect extremely subtle biological signals. When pointed at collapsed structures or snow-covered areas, the device emits low-power microwave signals that penetrate through debris and reflect back. These reflections allow FINDER to “see” the tiny movements associated with a person’s heartbeat or breathing, even through concrete, metal, or other dense materials.

Unlike conventional search methods, which rely on sound detection or trained dogs, FINDER can sense movements as slight as a millimeter. This means it can identify living individuals who are unconscious or unable to call out.

According to NASA, the technology was originally inspired by tools used to monitor astronaut health and spacecraft integrity. After the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti, researchers recognized the need for better search-and-rescue equipment that could speed up the discovery of survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. Since then, FINDER has been refined and eventually released commercially so that emergency response teams worldwide can integrate it into their disaster toolkits.

Proven Success in Real Emergencies

During the earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023, NASA dispatched FINDER units along with trained operators. The devices helped local and international rescue teams locate survivors in the crucial hours after the initial tremors. The technology was credited with detecting signs of life in situations where conventional search methods were struggling, such as thick layers of debris or unstable structures.

NASA also tasked its Earth observation satellites to capture high-resolution images of the affected regions. These satellite images were shared with humanitarian agencies and governments to help assess damage, plan rescue operations, and prioritize the deployment of resources.

More Than Just One Device

FINDER is not the only example of NASA’s technology helping to save lives after disasters. The agency has previously used tools such as the EMIT instrument aboard the International Space Station. EMIT is primarily designed to analyze atmospheric dust and gases, but it can also be repurposed to detect chemical leaks or air quality hazards in disaster areas.

Moreover, NASA’s satellite data is regularly used by experts to assess the risk of aftershocks following a major earthquake. By analyzing subtle shifts in the Earth’s crust and ongoing seismic activity, scientists can better predict whether additional quakes might occur, helping to protect both survivors and emergency crews.

Technology Bridging Space and Earth

The development of FINDER illustrates how technology originally created for space exploration can find powerful applications here on Earth. The same expertise used to design systems that monitor astronauts’ vital signs or detect leaks in spacecraft cabins can be adapted to protect people in the aftermath of natural disasters.

NASA and its partners emphasize that the humanitarian use of these innovations is central to their mission. In addition to rescue applications, NASA’s Earth Science Division maintains a suite of Earth-observing satellites that track storms, wildfires, droughts, and other hazards in near real-time. These data are freely shared to help communities prepare and respond.

A Vital Role in Disaster Preparedness

Experts say devices like FINDER are becoming increasingly important as climate change and urbanization increase the frequency and impact of natural disasters. Faster detection of survivors improves their chances of survival and allows rescuers to focus their efforts where they are most needed.

NASA’s ongoing commitment to transferring technology from space science to practical tools on Earth underscores the agency’s broader mission: to advance knowledge for the benefit of humanity. As one NASA spokesperson put it, “Every life we save using this technology shows how the investment in science and exploration can return hope and resilience when people need it most.”

With the continued refinement of devices like FINDER and the growing use of satellite data, scientists and engineers are helping to ensure that even the most catastrophic events can be met with more effective, life-saving responses.