Loud, unexpected blast echoes over Los Angeles, traced to Sonic Boom from SpaceX Dragon capsule.
LOS ANGELES — Residents throughout the city were jolted on Saturday night by a loud explosion-like sound, triggering fear, confusion, and a flurry of online speculation. However, the source of the disturbance was not an earthquake or an explosion, but a sonic boom caused by the reentry of a SpaceX cargo vessel.
The SpaceX Dragon capsule, on its return to Earth, created a brief sonic boom as it reentered the atmosphere around 10:45 p.m., according to a statement from Elon Musk's space company. The capsule, which had transported about 6,700 pounds of supplies to the International Space Station, was due to make its entrance around that same time, as announced by SpaceX on their official account an hour earlier.
On Saturday morning, the spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station after its delivery mission. The Dragon capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, completing its journey back to the coast of California.
Reactions on social media were mixed, with some residents expressing fear and panic while others remained intrigued by the spectacle in the night sky. TikTok user @limeysublime posted a video of a bright, comet-like object observed over Santa Monica, commenting that it was so loud she feared they were about to experience a mass extinction event. Meanwhile, others reported feeling their homes shake and coloring their experiences with fear or loathing.
This was not the first time that L.A. residents were startled by sonic booms. Those living near Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County have faced regular rattles due to rocket launches and landings, causing consternation and disturbance. Last year, officials rejected calls to reduce the noise generated by SpaceX rockets, noting their importance to ongoing space missions.
Community engagement and public awareness are crucial aspects of SpaceX's operations. The company often notifies the public about upcoming sonic booms, as was the case with this recent cargo vessel re-entry. By doing so, they help manage expectations and minimize surprise among affected communities.
Plans are underway for SpaceX to launch more than 90 rockets from Vandenberg by 2026, which could further increase the frequency of sonic booms. However, the U.S. Space Force is committed to community and environmental considerations, working collaboratively with regulatory partners to address local concerns and ensure consistency in launching services.
- Despite initial fears and confusion, the unusual noise experienced by Los Angeles residents on Saturday night was actually a sonic boom caused by the SpaceX Dragon capsule returning from the International Space Station.
- Interestingly, the SpaceX Dragon capsule, which transported around 6,700 pounds of supplies, created a sonic boom as it reentered the atmosphere over California, similar to past events experienced by residents near Vandenberg Space Force Base.
- In an effort to maintain transparency and minimize public discomfort, SpaceX often informs affected communities, like Los Angeles, about upcoming sonic booms associated with their rocket launches and re-entries, recognizing the importance of community engagement and public awareness in their operations.
