SpaceX’s Starship, the most powerful rocket system ever constructed, continues to break new ground in space exploration while raising questions about its impact on communities near the launch site, CNN reports.
In October, a test flight of the Super Heavy rocket booster, the first stage of the Starship system, successfully returned to its Texas launchpad, marking a milestone in reusable rocket technology. The midair landing, however, produced a thunderous sonic boom, rekindling concerns about noise pollution and potential environmental effects.
A sonic boom occurs when an object surpasses the speed of sound, creating a sharp noise and pressure wave. The sound, often compared to a gunshot, was described as “one of the loudest things” by Noah Pulsipher, a physics undergraduate at Brigham Young University and coauthor of a study on the launch noise. During the October test, the sonic boom reached levels equivalent to 10 Falcon 9 launches, with sound pressure as high as 146 decibels recorded in some areas.
Observers near the site, including tourists and local residents, reported feeling the sonic boom as much as hearing it. Pulsipher noted the event even triggered car alarms and startled wildlife.
While the test flight was hailed as a technological achievement, the associated sonic booms have drawn attention to their potential risks. Researchers warn of possible hearing damage from sound levels exceeding 140 decibels and minor structural damage to older buildings. The surrounding community, wildlife habitats, and tourist areas could all be affected by repeated launches.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is monitoring sonic boom levels, requiring SpaceX to submit data from successful operations. Although the FAA has not set specific sound level limits for commercial space operations, it may impose mitigation measures if environmental impact assessments reveal significant risks.
Efforts to mitigate sonic boom impacts remain limited. Unlike supersonic aircraft, rockets cannot be redesigned for noise reduction due to their stringent structural and performance requirements. Relocating launch sites further from populated areas is one possible measure, but it poses logistical challenges.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has dismissed concerns about sonic booms, emphasizing the technological benefits of reusable rockets. However, researchers stress the importance of gathering more data to inform decisions and address public concerns. Dr. Victor Sparrow of Penn State noted that understanding the local effects of these booms is critical, as SpaceX plans to significantly increase Starship launches in the coming years.
