Study Reveals Starship Sonic Boom Risks

Recent studies indicate that the sonic boom generated by SpaceX's Starship rocket may pose a risk of structural damage to nearby communities in South Texas, particularly Port Isabel and South Padre Island. The measurements revealed noise levels during the rocket's launch and landing reaching up to 125 decibels, similar to a gunshot at close range, and potentially higher than the FAA's thresholds for property damage. Acoustics engineer Kent Gee emphasized that Starship is significantly louder than previous rockets, producing noise equivalent to multiple Falcon 9 launches. Despite Elon Musk's dismissal of the concerns, local officials, including Port Isabel’s city manager, have expressed worries about the impact on residents and the environment. With plans for frequent launches, residents face disruptions such as window rattling and sleep disturbances. The findings have raised alarms about the balance between economic development and community safety.