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Researchers Study the Roar of SpaceX's Starship and Its Impact on Communities and the Environment

By Sharman Gill, Brigham Young University

What does it feel like to witness a rocket launch—not just any rocket, but SpaceX's Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket in the world? The sound generated from such events has become a subject of intense study, as researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) engage in measuring and analyzing the acoustical effects of these massive launches.

The Sound of Launches: A Unique Experience

BYU student Noah Pulsipher, who experienced a Starship launch in October, described the auditory landscape:

"It was the loudest thing I've ever heard, for sure. You can feel the sound whipping over your body; it feels like it's almost pushing you back sometimes," Pulsipher said. "And then, all around me, car alarms are going off and dogs barking—things like that. It's a powerful experience."

The BYU team, part of the Physics and Aerospace Student-Centered Acoustics Laboratory (PASCAL), is led by physics professor Kent Gee. Gee has dedicated his career to measuring high-amplitude sounds from rockets, including NASA's Artemis I. He noted the distinct characteristics of the Starship launch sound:

"It's got this low-frequency rumble that's just overwhelming... along with this kind of high-frequency popping. I call it crackle. It's a very unique sound experience."

Research Significance: Acoustical Measurements

The acoustics of rocket launches, while palpable, can also be quantified with precision. Pulsipher, Gee, and their colleagues recently published a paper in JASA Express Letters that details noise measurements during Starship's fifth flight, which included both the booster landing and sonic boom effects.

Noise Levels: A Comparitive Study

The findings revealed extraordinary decibel levels, showing:

Community Impact and Implications

Analyzing the sound levels of the Starship launches serves more than just academic curiosity; it carries significant implications for surrounding communities. One Starship launch can produce noise equivalent to:

• 4–6 Space Launch System launches
• At least 10 Falcon 9 launches

With projections indicating up to 100 Starship launches per year, Kent Gee emphasizes the potential impacts on nearby populations:

"We are a space-going people now, and it's a delicate balance. How do you balance that with making sure you're being a good environmental steward? Our research will see what the impacts are on threatened or endangered species in the region, as well as the impact on community life."

Lack of Regulatory Guidelines

Currently, there are no standardized regulatory guidelines specifying noise levels for rocket launches. While the efforts of PASCAL might not be aimed directly at creating policy, their data is essential for informing decision-makers and communities as spaceports become increasingly common.

Preparation for the Future: Starship's Sixth Flight

As preparations for the sixth Starship flight on November 19 progress, the PASCAL team has transported significant equipment, including:

• Computers
• Data acquisition systems
• GPS
• Microphones
• Windscreens

Pulsipher notes the enormous opportunity for student involvement in this research, marking BYU as a pioneering institution in the study of rocket noise to such an extent.

The Thrill of Rocket Launches

Even with all the scientific data and measurements, the visual and experiential thrill of witnessing a rocket launch remains unmatched. Pulsipher reflects on the excitement of each launch:

"It's always incredible to see the rocket go off. First, you can see the light coming off, and then a little bit later, you hear the sound and your jaw just drops. That's a really fun experience. I always look forward to that."

Conclusion

Through rigorous studies that encompass both academic research and community impact analysis, BYU’s PASCAL team continues to contribute vital insights into the acoustics of rocket launches. Their findings not only enhance our understanding of sound phenomena but also advocate for considerations regarding environmental stewardship in the era of space exploration.

Further Reading

For additional insights into PASCAL's study, consult the following sources:

• First ever goat-fish petroglyph reveals Egyptian understanding of zodiac symbols
• SpaceX wins earlier-than-expected approval to fly fifth Starship
• Starship Super Heavy breezes through wind tunnel testing at NASA Ames
• SpaceX liftoff matches record for Space Coast launches in a year

Reference

For more information, please visit the original article.

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