Will there be a sonic boom? Rocket launch sonic booms explained
A sonic boom is possible when the booster flies back and lands on land near the coast. Droneship landings far offshore and flights without booster recovery usually do not send a boom ashore. The table lists upcoming launches with a land landing.
Upcoming launches with a possible sonic boom
| Launch | When | From | Booster lands at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-195 | November 2026 (date TBD) | Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA | Landing Zone 4 |
| Falcon Heavy | Griffin Mission One | December 2026 (date TBD) | Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA |
Listed when Launch Library 2 shows a booster landing on land (return to launch site). See all landing sites. A boom is possible, not guaranteed; check the provider's advisory for each launch.
Land landing vs droneship: why it matters
The boom people hear on the ground comes mostly from the returning booster. When it flies back and lands near the coast, the boom carries ashore. When it lands on a droneship far out at sea, people on land usually do not hear it, and flights that do not recover the booster do not send one back at all.
Florida: who hears it
For booster landings at Cape Canaveral, SpaceX and the Space Force post advisories before launch saying a sonic boom may be heard on the Space Coast and nearby areas of Central Florida. Check the advisory on SpaceX's launch page for each mission. Schedule: Florida launch schedule.
California (Vandenberg): who hears it
When a Falcon 9 booster lands back at Vandenberg, SpaceX notes that a sonic boom may be heard in nearby coastal counties. The exact areas are in each launch's advisory. Schedule: Vandenberg launch schedule.
Texas (Starbase)
Starship Super Heavy boosters that return to be caught at the Starbase launch tower can produce sonic booms nearby. Schedule: Starship launch schedule.
FAQ
Why do some rocket launches cause a sonic boom?
Mostly because of the returning booster. When it flies back faster than sound and lands near the coast, the boom reaches people on land.
Will today's launch cause a sonic boom?
A boom is possible if the booster is scheduled to land on land, such as a landing zone at Cape Canaveral or Vandenberg. With a droneship landing far offshore or no booster recovery, people on land usually do not hear one.
What does a launch sonic boom sound like, and when does it happen?
Usually one or more loud thumps, often a double boom, a few minutes after liftoff as the booster comes back to land.
Is a rocket sonic boom dangerous?
Usually it is just a loud thump. Providers warn residents ahead of time through launch advisories; follow the advisory for each launch.
Can a Starship booster catch cause a sonic boom?
Yes. Super Heavy boosters returning to the Starbase tower can produce sonic booms in the area.
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