SpaceX has announced that the upcoming fifth test flight of the Super Heavy rocket booster will introduce a new element - deafening sonic booms. The company revealed that these sonic booms will be a result of the vehicle traveling faster than the speed of sound, creating a ripple of noise across the landscape.
While previous test flights have also produced sonic booms of varying intensities, SpaceX anticipates that the ones generated by the booster's return may be more pronounced. In a recent blog post, the company addressed this unique aspect of the upcoming test flight.
According to SpaceX, the general impact of a sonic boom on individuals in the surrounding area is akin to a brief thunder-like noise. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, conducted an evaluation of the sonic booms resulting from the Super Heavy's landing and determined that there would be no significant environmental impacts.
While animals in the vicinity may experience momentary startle reactions due to the sonic booms, previous studies have indicated that sonic booms of varying intensities do not have any adverse effects on wildlife. Despite this scientific evidence, the FAA leadership has approved an additional 60-day consultation period with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a slightly larger area could potentially be exposed to the sonic booms.
