Possible sonic boom for SpaceX OneWeb launch from VSFB

Rocket to carry 40 satellites for broadband internet constellation

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch 40 OneWeb satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Tuesday, March 7. The launch window opens at 12:15 p.m. PST (20:15 UTC) and will last for two hours.

What is OneWeb?

OneWeb is a global communications company that is building a constellation of 650 satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to remote and underserved areas around the world. The company has already launched 358 satellites and plans to have its full constellation in place by the end of 2023.

The satellites will be used to provide broadband internet access to homes, businesses, and mobile devices. OneWeb has partnerships with several telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Bharti Airtel, and BT Group, to provide service to their customers.

What is a sonic boom?

A sonic boom is a loud sound that is produced when an object travels faster than the speed of sound. When the object moves through the air, it creates a cone-shaped shock wave that travels outward from the object. If the shock wave reaches the ground, it can be heard as a loud boom.

Sonic booms are often associated with supersonic aircraft, such as the Concorde. However, they can also be produced by other objects, such as rockets and meteors.

What are the chances of hearing a sonic boom from the SpaceX OneWeb launch?

The chances of hearing a sonic boom from the SpaceX OneWeb launch depend on several factors, including the weather, the wind direction, and the location of the observer.

According to SpaceX, the sonic boom from the launch is likely to be heard within a 100-mile radius of Vandenberg Space Force Base. However, the sound may be fainter or even inaudible in some areas due to the factors mentioned above.