Charlie Puth Criticizes SpaceX Launch Over Disturbance to Pregnant Wife

SpaceX Sonic Booms Rattle Southern California, Prompt Celebrity Complaint

A SpaceX rocket launch jolted Southern California awake. Loud sonic booms echoed across multiple counties after midnight. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base carrying Starlink satellites.

The intense noise prompted a public complaint from musician Charlie Puth. He directly addressed SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on social media. Puth said the event violently shook his house and frightened his pregnant wife.

SpaceX sonic booms

Nighttime Launch Creates Widespread Disruption

The launch occurred at 3:40 a.m. Pacific Time. It sent 27 new satellites into orbit for the Starlink internet constellation. Weather conditions that night amplified the sound, making the sonic booms travel farther.

Residents from Santa Barbara to Ventura County reported the disturbances. According to NBC Los Angeles, another launch is already scheduled for the area. This has raised local concerns about repeated nighttime disruptions.

Community and Expert Reactions to the Noise

Online reactions were mixed. Some social media users suggested residents near the base should expect frequent launches. Others expressed sympathy for those startled by the powerful booms.

Noise experts note that extremely loud sounds can pose risks. Sustained exposure to levels above 120 decibels is not considered safe. The sudden, explosive nature of a sonic boom is particularly alarming at night.

The incident highlights growing tensions between rapid space industry expansion and community comfort. As launch frequency increases, so does the debate over noise pollution. These SpaceX sonic booms are a loud reminder of that conflict.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: What caused the loud booms in California?

The booms were sonic booms created by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The rocket’s return to Earth generates these powerful shockwaves.

Q2: How often do these SpaceX launches happen?

Launch cadence is increasing rapidly. SpaceX plans to conduct approximately 100 launches per year from its two main complexes. Nighttime launches are a regular part of the schedule.

Q3: Are sonic booms dangerous?

They are startling but not typically physically harmful. However, experts warn noise above 120 decibels is unsafe. The sudden vibration can cause significant anxiety and sleep disruption.

Q4: What was the rocket carrying?

The mission deployed 27 Starlink satellites. Starlink is SpaceX’s global satellite internet constellation. These launches are common for expanding the network’s coverage.

Q5: Can anything be done to reduce the noise?

Very little can be done to muffle a sonic boom. The physics of breaking the sound barrier are inherent to the rocket’s flight path. Adjusting launch times or trajectories are the primary mitigation options.

Q6: Did SpaceX issue any warning?

Yes. A disclaimer on the company’s website noted residents might hear sonic booms. The exact experience depended on weather conditions. The late-night timing, however, maximized the disturbance.