SpaceX Starship Sonic Boom Threaten Local Structures

SpaceX Starship Sonic Boom May Cause Structural Damage in Nearby Towns Scientists Says

iexclusivenews – Starship sonic boom from SpaceX massive rocket has been found to cause significant structural damage to nearby towns, according to recent scientific findings. Measurements taken during the company’s fifth test flight last month revealed that the resulting wave of sound and air pressure could pose a greater risk of structural damage, such as glass breakage and falling bric-a-brac, in the nearby village of Port Isabel.

The study, led by Brigham Young University physicist Kent Gee, was published in the journal JASA Express Letters.

The Power of Starship’s Sonic Boom and Impacts

SpaceX’s Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, is roughly ten times as loud as the company’s workhorse Falcon 9 rocket. Gee told the New York Times that even miles away, the noise during October’s test flight was like standing just 200 feet from a Boeing 747 during liftoff.

Houston-based sound consultant Terracon, which also took measurements during the launch, found that as Starship’s Super Heavy booster returned to the launchpad to be caught by the company’s landing tower, pressure levels peaked at an ear-shattering 144.6 decibels — far louder than a concert and as piercing as fireworks and gunfire.

The intense noise levels from Starship’s sonic boom have raised major concerns for neighboring communities. Port Isabel city manager Jared Hockema expressed support for SpaceX’s economic development efforts but emphasized the need for such development to follow the law and not harm existing residents or the environment. During last month’s test flight, Hockema noted that damage to local property was minimal.

However, the closer one gets to SpaceX’s launch pad in Boca Chica, Texas, the greater the risk of damage. Neither Gee’s team nor Terracon took sound measurements closer to the launch site, despite the roughly two dozen homes nearby that could be exposed to the deafening sounds.

Environmental Concernand Challenges

In addition to the potential for structural damage, there are concerns about the rocket’s effects on local fauna. The area surrounding SpaceX testing facilities is home to a national wildlife refuge and a state park, which are known to house several endangered bird species. Elon Musk has frequently complained that rules designed to protect the surrounding environment are nothing more than pointless red tape and has even mocked concerns over the destruction of nearby bird nests.

With president-elect Donald Trump back in power, there are fears that environmental regulations could be eroded, allowing SpaceX to proceed with its launches without addressing the damage they cause. Musk’s well-documented loathing of environmental regulations adds to these concerns. The potential rollback of these rules could lead to increased risks for both the environment and local communities.

Future Test Launchesand Community Response

Despite the concerns, SpaceX is set to conduct another explosive test launch. The company continues to push the boundaries of space exploration with its ambitious Starship program. However, the findings from the recent study highlight the need for careful consideration of the impact on nearby communities and the environment. As SpaceX moves forward with its plans, it will be crucial to address these issues to ensure sustainable development.

The response from the local community has been mixed. While there is support for the economic benefits that SpaceX brings, there is also a strong desire for the company to operate within the bounds of the law and protect the environment. Hockema’s comments reflect this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic development with the well-being of residents and the environment.

What You Should Know

The findings on Starship’s sonic boom underscore the significant impact that SpaceX’s rocket launches can have on nearby communities and the environment. As the company continues its ambitious space exploration efforts, it will be essential to address these concerns and ensure that development is carried out responsibly. The balance between innovation and sustainability will be key to the success of SpaceX’s Starship program and its acceptance by the communities it affects.