Space Launch Noise Mitigation Study Act

House Votes

This bill orders the Defense Department to study whether to create a grant program that helps communities deal with loud noise from military space launches. The study must be finished within one year. It has to estimate costs, decide who could qualify, suggest noise‑reduction tech, and plan community outreach about the benefits of space. It also asks for ways the Space Force can work better with nearby towns to avoid noise disturbances.

The study must look at very loud events like sonic booms and specific noise levels, review research, and use data from federal launch ranges. It also focuses on places that most need quiet, like hospitals, daycares, schools, senior centers, and homes. Congress notes that space launches are important for national security and daily life, but more launches can disrupt nearby communities.

• Who is affected: Local governments near Defense Department launch ranges and “covered” sites such as hospitals, daycares, schools, senior centers, and homes.
• What changes: No grants yet—this only requires a study on a possible grant program, including costs, who qualifies, recommended noise‑reduction technologies, better community coordination, and outreach.
• What the study must consider: Sonic booms; single‑event noise around 100 dB; maximum noise around 90 dB; peak day‑night levels; a “PK 15” peak measure; building vibration effects; and data from launch ranges with at least one vertical launch a year.
• When: The study is due within one year after the bill becomes law.
• Why: Space launches support national security and key services, but noise can bother nearby communities.