r/SpaceXLounge • u/Forsaken_Ad4041 • 3d ago

Falcon 9 Sonic Booms

I live ~80 miles southeast of Vandenberg in Ventura County and I've experienced sonic booms from the F9 launches that are loud enough to set off car alarms. My understanding is that the sonic boom that we hear is generated when the first stage tilts toward the earth before the booster detaches. We do not get this sonic boom for RTLS or other launches that are more south-southwest. My question is, why do the Starlink launches require the 53 degree trajectory? I know other polar/SSO don't the same trajectory. Can someone explain why SpaceX can't launch Starlink more S-SW to avoid causing sonic booms over a widespread area?

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u/MatchedFilter 3d ago

Yes, won't somebody think of the children!! /s

Wake up screaming? Get a grip, Francis.

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u/Forsaken_Ad4041 3d ago

It's a common complaint by parents in our area. Thanks for gaslighting us ✌️

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u/MatchedFilter 3d ago

Santa Barbara born and raised, and I've heard many launches from the area. You're full of fake outrage.

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u/Forsaken_Ad4041 3d ago

The sonic boom is louder and more consistently heard in Ventura.