Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

At 13 miles distance, a Starship-size rocket is ~65dB, which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner, and is the FAA noise limit for residential neighborhoods near major airports.

Near the rocket, the loudness is over 200dB, which the essentially the loudest sound that can be experienced at sea level, because the pressure is fluctuating between two atmospheres and zero. That sound level is enough to melt concrete.[1] Ground crews would have to be at considerable distance to avoid serious danger from the sound alone.

I don't know how you got the idea that a 1km wall is "easy", but a 13 mile wall is out of the question, let alone a rocket-resistant one.

[1] https://kottke.org/14/10/the-worlds-loudest-sound



Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: