BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — SpaceX announced the fifth Starship test will aim to catch the Super Heavy booster at the launch site and warns of sonic booms.
In a news release, SpaceX said the fifth flight test will be a potentially major step in building a reusable rocket. For the first time, SpaceX will attempt to catch the Super Heavy booster after it separates from the Starship vehicle.
“In addition to being a pretty spectacular visual for residents in Cameron County, the rocket’s return will be accompanied by a sonic boom,” SpaceX stated.
Residents in the area may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing attempt, according to SpaceX.
The space company stated the booster will slow down from supersonic speeds, resulting in audible sonic booms in the area around the return location. The booms are expected to be heard between seven and nine minutes after the launch.
NASA describes a sonic boom as a thunder-like noise that is heard when a vehicle flies overhead faster than the speed of sound.
SpaceX stated that it has landed its Falcon rockets more than 330 times, also producing sonic booms during their returns.
A date for the fifth launch has not been scheduled, as it remains pending regulatory approval.