Noise Model Study for Launch Vehicles

The John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (Volpe Center) supported the FAA Office of the Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST) to assess the appropriate model for monitoring noise levels for launch vehicles.

To assist the Volpe Center, HMMH researched existing noise and sonic boom models and their applicability to the computation of environmental impacts for the commercial space industry. The study catalogs and evaluates existing noise and sonic boom models, investigates the necessity of a new model, describes the process of creating a new model if required, and determines if the recommended existing or new model can be integrated into the FAA’s Integrated Noise Model (INM).