Overview

• A SpaceX Dragon capsule reentered Earth's atmosphere on May 24, 2025, at 10:44 p.m. PT, producing a sonic boom that was widely felt across Los Angeles.
• The capsule had transported approximately 6,700 pounds of supplies, equipment, and resources to the International Space Station before undocking on May 23, 2025.
• Residents in areas including Venice, West Hollywood, Highland Park, Agoura Hills, and Santa Clarita reported hearing the boom and experiencing vibrations, initially mistaking it for an earthquake.
• Sonic booms from SpaceX operations, particularly near Vandenberg Space Force Base, have become a growing concern for Southern Californians as the company plans over 90 launches from the base by 2026.
• The Dragon capsule's successful splashdown near Oceanside highlights SpaceX's increasing activity but also raises questions about the impact of frequent sonic booms on local communities.