Elon Musk’s SpaceX launch could trigger sonic booms across Southern California, officials warn |

Officials have issued a warning that residents in California’s Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties might hear a number of sonic booms roughly eight minutes after SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launch on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The loud, thunder-like sounds are anticipated because the rocket’s first stage makes its high-speed return to Earth and makes an attempt a touchdown at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. While doubtlessly startling, the booms are innocent and a routine characteristic of SpaceX’s reusable rocket system. The launch, scheduled for 11:13 a.m. PDT, will carry NASA’s TRACERS mission and three further payloads into orbit throughout a 57-minute launch window.

SpaceX to launch NASA’s TRACERS mission aboard Falcon 9 from Vandenberg

The upcoming mission will launch from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Falcon 9 will carry NASA’s TRACERS satellites (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites), designed to review the interplay between photo voltaic wind and Earth’s magnetosphere. This knowledge is anticipated to enhance scientific understanding of house climate and its results on satellite tv for pc communications and Earth’s ambiance. Alongside TRACERS, three smaller analysis satellites may even hitch a trip into orbit.

Why Falcon 9’s return causes sonic booms

Sonic booms happen when a automobile travels sooner than the velocity of sound, creating shock waves that attain the bottom as loud, abrupt noises. In SpaceX launches, the Falcon 9 booster separates from the higher stage shortly after liftoff and performs a managed descent again to Earth. As it slows down and lands vertically at Landing Zone 4, it breaks the sound barrier, leading to a number of sonic booms. These booms might differ in depth relying on climate circumstances and flight trajectory.

Residents suggested to not panic

Officials have emphasised that these sounds are anticipated and aren’t any trigger for concern. The booms should not dangerous and are a byproduct of SpaceX’s revolutionary reusable rocket expertise, which has turn out to be an ordinary a part of its missions. Past launches have triggered related public alerts to keep away from alarm when sonic booms happen.

How to observe the launch of TRACERS mission

NASA and SpaceX will present stay protection of the launch occasion on their respective web sites and social media platforms. Local authorities can also problem real-time updates or reminders to residents in affected areas. In the occasion of a delay, a backup launch window is obtainable on Wednesday, July 23, on the similar time.As Southern California braces for a short rumble from above, the mission marks one more step ahead in understanding the house setting that surrounds our planet.