Falcon 9 launch noise metrics with associated statistics

With over 450 orbital launches since 2018, the Falcon 9 Block 5 is the most prolific launch vehicle ever. Its launch cadence affords a unique opportunity to study trends in, and variability of, noise metrics currently used in environmental assessments. Falcon 9 data from over 70 different launches measured primarily at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) are used in the analysis presented. In addition to unweighted maximum overall sound pressure level (OASPL), A-weighted maximum level and sound exposure levels are discussed. For example, at 8.5 km, flat and A-weighted maximum OASPL can vary 5 and 11 dB, respectively. Other metrics, such as C-weighted values and waveform statistics used for shock characterization, are discussed. Understanding the range of possible measured values for acoustic metrics and probabilities are important to inform and improve accuracy of launch noise prediction models. [Work supported by VSFB through USACE.]