Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.
Rocket Science Meets Decibels: The Sound of Power
Rocket launches are not just a visual spectacle; they are an auditory phenomenon. The sound produced during a rocket launch is a byproduct of the immense thrust generated by its engines. SpaceX’s Starship, the largest rocket ever to take off, has reignited debates about whether it is the loudest in history.
Saturn V: The Roar Heard Around the World
The Saturn V rocket, famed for its role in the Apollo moon missions, was legendary for its noise levels. During its launches, the sound reached an ear splitting 204 decibels, with the roar still deafening at 1.5 miles (2.4km) away. Spectators were positioned more than 3 miles (5km) from the launchpad for safety, and myths abounded about the rocket’s soundwaves melting concrete or igniting distant grasslands both untrue.
A study by Brigham Young University in Utah confirmed that the Saturn V’s noise levels matched NASA’s original measurements, with its thrust of 35MN producing a rumble likened to "10,000 aircraft engines."
The Soviet N1 and the Power of Thrust
The Soviet Union’s N1 rocket, designed for lunar missions, surpassed the Saturn V in thrust at 45MN. While it never completed a successful mission, the immense power of its engines suggests it might have been louder than its American counterpart.
SpaceX’s Starship: A New Era of Noise
SpaceX’s Starship, atop its Super Heavy booster, took rocket noise to new heights. With 33 engines producing 74MN of thrust more than double that of Saturn V—the rocket created a cacophony during its maiden flight in 2023 and subsequent tests.
Researchers from Brigham Young University measured noise levels exceeding 120 decibels 6.5 miles (10.5km) from the launch site and a sonic boom of nearly 140 decibels at the same distance. The soundwaves set off car alarms up to 10 miles (16km) away, while the launchpad and surrounding infrastructure bore the brunt of the rocket’s immense power.
Engineering Solutions to the Sound Problem
The extreme noise of rockets poses risks not only to humans but also to the rockets themselves. NASA engineers have long tackled this challenge. During the Apollo era, fire trenches filled with water were introduced to dampen soundwaves and reduce vibrations. This innovation continues with modern rockets, including SpaceX’s Starship and NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).
John Blevins, chief engineer for the SLS, explained that water vaporization from these trenches creates dramatic clouds of steam, a feature familiar from iconic launch footage. These measures ensure rockets withstand the acoustic shock of their own launches.
Environmental and Community Impact of Rocket Noise
Rocket launches affect surrounding communities, with noise levels capable of shaking windows and doors miles away. Residents near SpaceX’s Boca Chica facility in Texas reported structural damage and dust clouds after Starship launches. Similarly, NASA’s Artemis 1 launch with the SLS reached 136 decibels at a distance of 0.9 miles (1.5km).
The environmental impact extends beyond sound. Dust, debris, and potential micro-shocks raise concerns for nearby ecosystems and communities, prompting calls for stricter oversight.
The Future of Rocket Launches: Bigger, Louder, Smarter
As rockets become more powerful, the noise they produce will inevitably increase. SpaceX’s Starship, designed for Mars missions, and NASA’s SLS, built for deep-space exploration, are among the loudest rockets in history. Future launches will require further advancements in engineering to mitigate noise and its effects.
With innovations like remote monitoring, reinforced launchpads, and community engagement, the space industry continues to push boundaries. For spectators, one thing remains certain: earplugs are a must for witnessing humanity’s giant leaps into the cosmos.
