2023/02/01 by Kent L. Gee, Grant W. Hart, Carson F. Cunningham +8 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Engineering · Environmental Science · #Aerodynamics and Acoustics in Jet Flows #Acoustic Wave Phenomena Research #Wind and Air Flow Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.1121/10.0016878
openalex publication_date 2023/02/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
To improve understanding of super heavy-lift rocket acoustics, this letter documents initial findings from noise measurements during liftoff of the Space Launch System's Artemis-I mission. Overall sound pressure levels, waveform characteristics, and spectra are described at distances ranging from 1.5 to 5.2 km. Significant results include: (a) the solid rocket boosters' ignition overpressure is particularly intense in the direction of the pad flame trench exit; (b) post-liftoff maximum overall levels range from 127 to 136 dB, greater than pre-launch predictions; and (c) the average maximum one-third-octave spectral peak occurred at 20 Hz, causing significant deviation between flat and A-weighted levels.