Abstract
Sonic boom measurements have been obtained during six flights of the Space Transportation System (STS). Information regarding sonic boom signature characteristics that include overpressure, period, and shock‐rise‐time will be discussed and some comparisons with predictions will be shown. Measurements of the sonic boom generated by the orbiter during descent flight phases were made on STS‐1, STS‐2, STS‐4, and STS‐11. Ascent measurements were obtained during STS‐5 and STS‐7 launches. The objectives were (1) to define sonic boom characteristics of the STS during both launch and entry, and (2) to assess the validity of a semi‐empirical method used previously to predict 2, 4, and 11 entries into Edwards Air Force Base or Kennedy Space Center. Sonic booms during descent are of particular interest to NASA because of the population centers exposed. During ascent from the Kennedy, no land masses are impacted by the pressure wave. However, ascent booms for STS launches are important to the Air Force because of their plan to launch the Shuttle from Vandenberg Air Force Base. From Vandenberg, the launch boom may impact (for some launch azimuths) the Channel Islands and, under some conditions, the California coast itself.
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