Measurements of sonic-boom overpressures from Apollo space vehicles

This paper presents representative results of sonic-boom overpressure data recorded during the launch and reentry of the Apollo 15 and 16 space vehicle systems. Comparisons are made between measured overpressures and those predicted using available theory. The measurements were obtained along the vehicle ground track at 68, 87, 92, 129, and 970 km downrange from the launch site during ascent, and at 9, 13, 55, 185, and 500 km from the splash-down point during reentry. Also included are tracings of the sonic-boom signatures along with a brief description of the launch and recovery test areas in which the measurements were obtained, the sonic-boom instrumentation deployment, flight profiles and operating conditions, and high-altitude weather information for the general measurement areas.