Can a Sonic Boom Be Quiet? - Aaron Vaughn | Research Aerospace Engineer - NASA

Can supersonic flight—and the sonic booms it produces—be quiet enough for overland travel? How can we guide and equip the commercial sector to ensure that the next generation of supersonic jets and eVTOLs are quiet enough to thrive without contributing to environmental noise?
In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Vaughn, a Research Aerospace Engineer in NASA’s Applied Acoustics Branch at the Langley Research Center, to explore these questions and more.

Aaron invites us into the world of auralization, simulation, and human response data—all essential tools for understanding how supersonic flight and the emerging technology of eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles) impact everyday life. In this episode we explore:

-Aaron’s role in the development of the X-59, NASA’s groundbreaking contribution to quiet supersonic flight

-How scientists tackle environmental noise challenges during the design phase

-The acoustic impact of the rapidly growing eVTOL industry—and how it can be mitigated

-Practical advice for students and early-career professionals aiming to work at NASA or in next-gen aerospace

If, like us, you're fascinated by the intersection of science, noise control, and aviation, this episode is packed with insights and innovative methods you won’t want to miss.

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00:01:30 – The X-59, NASA’s quiet supersonic jet - Aaron’s role on the development team.
00:03:00 – How Aaron got involved in NASA.
00:05:30 – Making the sonic boom quieter.
00:09:45 – N-Shaped Sonic Boom wave.
00:10:15 – Methods for testing human response to quiet sonic thumps.
00:11:10 – When we will see the X-59 Fly and the next phases.
00:12:30 – Goals and advantages of commercial quiet supersonic flight.
00:13:45 – What would one experience inside a supersonic aircraft?
00:15:15 – The 100 year question - Where are we at in 100 years with supersonic flight?
00:16:00 – NASA’s acoustical test facilities and labs.
00:17:50 – Aaron’s involvement in field studies.
00:19:10 – Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology Project - Advanced Air Mobility vehicles
00:21:20 – When will we see UAM vehicles flying consistently and NASA’s role?
00:22:40 – Problematic drone and UAM vehicle noise and mitigation efforts.
00:24:40 – UAM comparisons with Helicopters and other noise annoyances.
00:25:50 – The Shulz Curve.
00:31:15 – Annoyance studies.
00:33:30 – The transfer of knowledge
00:34:30 – Advice for students and early-career professionals aiming to work at NASA or in next-gen aerospace