Space Launch System acoustics: Far-field noise measurements of the Artemis-I launch
Kent L. Gee, Grant W. Hart, Carson F. Cunningham, Mark C. Anderson, Michael S. Bassett, Logan T. Mathews, J. Taggart Durrant, Levi T. Moats, Whitney L. Coyle, Makayle S. Kellison, Margaret J. Kuffskie
Abstract
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.