Overall sound pressure levels and peak directivity of the NROL-82 Delta IV Heavy Launch

Rocket launch noise has historically been analyzed for directivity and sound power. To compare against previous findings, this study uses data acquired from the NROL-82 Delta IV Heavy launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, USA. Rocket trajectory data are used to calculate the 3D angle between the plume and several measurement stations in the near and far fields. Overall sound pressure level, directivity, and sound power level are calculated, and the results compared across stations.