🔊🚀 Sonic Detectives Study Starship Noise to Improve Rocket Acoustics for Future Flights
🚀💥 SpaceX's Starship Loses Control Before Splashdown After Boca Chica Beach Launch ✈️🔍 US halts student visa interviews while expanding social media vetting in visa process
🔊🚀 Sonic Detectives Study Starship Noise to Improve Rocket Acoustics for Future Flights
Kenneth Chang, The New York Times.- A team of physicists from Brigham Young University is investigating the acoustics of SpaceX's Starship rocket launches, focusing on the impact of rocket noise and sonic booms. The team set up recording equipment around SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas to capture the sounds of Starship's launches, including the triple sonic boom from returning boosters. With Starship being one of the loudest rockets ever, researchers are studying how sound travels and affects nearby communities, such as the potential disturbance caused by sonic booms. The data collected could help SpaceX reduce noise disruption and improve the environmental impact of future launches, especially as the company plans more frequent flights. Despite the loud noise, the team is dedicated to understanding how these sounds can be managed, emphasizing the importance of scientific data in the conversation about rocket noise regulation.
Key Data:
The team from Brigham Young University is studying the acoustics of SpaceX’s Starship rocket launches.
Sonic booms and sound variations from Starship and other rockets are analyzed.
Starship produces 11 times the acoustic energy of a Falcon 9 rocket.
The team aims to minimize noise disruptions and enhance sound management in future launches.🚀💥 SpaceX's Starship Loses Control Before Splashdown After Boca Chica Beach Launch
Steve Clark, The Brownsville Herald.- SpaceX’s Starship S35, launched from Boca Chica Beach on May 27, 2025, experienced a loss of attitude control halfway through its flight, resulting in an uncontrolled reentry and failed splashdown in the Indian Ocean. This marked Starship’s ninth suborbital test flight, with the 33-engine Super Heavy B14-2 booster also losing control after a planned landing in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite several milestones, including the reuse of Super Heavy B14-2, the mission failed to complete key objectives, such as deploying satellites and performing engine reignition—the flight aimed to test various Starship features, including booster reuse and reentry conditions. The FAA had previously approved SpaceX to launch Starship after addressing safety concerns following earlier failures. SpaceX’s long-term goal is to improve booster reusability and landing accuracy.
🌪️📦 Rio Grande Valley residents urged to prepare for above-average hurricane season, experts predict more storms
Alexandrea Bailey, The Texas Tribune.- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts an above-average 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. Warmer Atlantic surface temperatures and potential La Niña conditions drive this increase. NOAA officials are urging families to prepare now by creating emergency plans, securing emergency supplies, and ensuring homes are adequately insured and up to code. Key threats include storm surge, flooding, strong winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. Meteorologist Barry Goldsmith emphasized the importance of focusing on indirect storm impacts and understanding local flood risks. With hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30, officials emphasize the importance of maintaining continuous readiness, particularly for Valley residents who are vulnerable to coastal storms.
Key Data:
NOAA predicts 13-19 storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes in 2025.
La Niña conditions may contribute to above-average activity.
The focus is on storm surge, flooding, winds, tornadoes, and rip currents.
FEMA and NWS advise preparedness, including emergency kits and insurance updates.
✈️🔍 US halts student visa interviews while expanding social media vetting in visa process
Matthew Lee and Annie Ma, AP.- The U.S. State Department has paused scheduling new visa interviews for foreign students while preparing to enhance social media screening of applicants. This temporary halt does not affect previously scheduled appointments. The department plans to issue guidelines on expanded social media vetting. This move is part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to scrutinize international students more rigorously, including a recent decision to revoke Harvard University's ability to sponsor student visas. The suspension may lead to delays in student enrollments for summer and fall terms, potentially impacting university budgets, which have relied on international students for revenue. As the U.S. increases its vetting procedures, the future of international student visas remains uncertain.
Key Data:
The U.S. suspends scheduling of new student visa interviews.
Expanded social media screening for foreign students is planned.
Recent revocation of Harvard’s visa sponsorship and challenges in court.
Potential delays could affect international student enrollment and university finances.