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SpaceX launch triggers sonic boom in Central Florida
People across Central Florida reported hearing a loud boom early Thursday. A SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station caused a sonic boom when the rocket's booster returned for landing.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - An early morning SpaceX launch on the Space Coast generated a sonic boom that was heard across parts of Central Florida.
What we know:
The company used its Falcon 9 rocket to launch a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Shortly after liftoff, the rocket's first-stage booster returned to the space force station, causing a loud, booming sound as it landed.
The boom was reportedly heard as far as Orlando.
An early morning SpaceX launch on the Space Coast generated a sonic boom that was heard across parts of Central Florida on Thursday, July 30, 2026. (Credit: SpaceX)
What is a sonic boom?
A sonic boom is the sound that comes from an object traveling through the air faster than the speed of sound.
It is often described as sounding like thunder.
SpaceX's Florida launch schedule
SpaceX has at least two more launches planned from Florida next month.
The company is scheduled to launch a Bluebird 11-13 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Aug. 5.
The company is targeting a liftoff at 3:42 a.m. ET.
And then on Aug. 10, SpaceX plans to send another batch of Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit.
The Source: This article was written with information released by SpaceX.