Booming Surprise: SpaceX Dragon Capsule’s Sonic Boom Shakes Los Angeles – What Happened?

Last Saturday night, Los Angeles experienced a startling event—not an earthquake but a loud sonic boom. It happened around 10:45 p.m., leaving many residents bewildered and a bit shaken.

The source of the sound? A SpaceX Dragon capsule was reentering the atmosphere after a successful mission to the International Space Station. Hours before, SpaceX had announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the capsule would create a sonic boom just before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

This particular Dragon capsule carried over 6,700 pounds of supplies and had undocked earlier that day, earlier than usual. The mission was part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to support the ISS, showcasing how space exploration continues to evolve.

On social media, reactions poured in. Some people were excited, while others expressed fear. TikTok user @limeysublime joked about it feeling like “we were all about to go out like the dinosaurs.” Another user shared their panic, fearing it was “their last day on Earth.”

Interestingly, sonic booms from spacecraft have become common for residents near Vandenberg Space Force Base. Brooke Heflin, a local, mentioned that she’s often awakened at night by these booms. The noise makes her heart race as she wonders what’s happening before realizing it’s just SpaceX again.

According to a report by the U.S. Space Force, the frequency of these sonic booms is expected to increase, with plans for over 90 rocket launches from Vandenberg by 2026. The military has faced calls to limit the booms, but they’ve decided to go ahead as planned.

For those living close to launch sites, this change means living in a dynamic environment where the thrill of space exploration mixes with moments of anxiety. Sonic booms may drive some residents up the wall, but for many, the excitement of space missions overshadows the inconvenience.

As we embrace advancements in technology and space travel, it’s essential to consider how these changes affect communities. There’s a balance between progress and daily life—something we all have to navigate as we step further into the age of exploration. For more about SpaceX missions and their impacts, check out [NASA](https://www.nasa.gov).

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