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Noise at the International Space Station
Challenges and Innovations

Excessive noise can harm both spacecraft systems and astronaut well-being. High decibel levels may mask critical alarms and interfere with sensitive instruments. Meanwhile, astronauts exposed to loud or constant noise can experience hearing loss, stress, and reduced cognitive performance. Ensuring a safe acoustic environment is therefore essential for clear communication, efficient operations, and crew health.

Noise Levels in Rockets and Spacecraft

The noise produced during rocket launches is among the highest in any human endeavor. Historic vehicles like the Saturn V reached noise levels of about 204.7 dB, while modern launch systems—including NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) at around 202.4 dB and the Super Heavy Rocket System at 150 dB—remain extremely loud. Engineers use specialized insulation and sound-dampening technologies to limit how much of this noise reaches the spacecraft interior. These measures protect both onboard instruments and the crew from dangerously high decibel levels during liftoff and ascent. 

Noise Levels in Rockets and Spacecraft ​Svantek

Wireless Acoustic - AXIOM Mission 4 - Svantek in space!

Experience an exclusive look at the AXIOM Mission 4 astronauts’ meeting with media, investors, and space enthusiasts at the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw, Poland. This special event highlights the mission’s goals, international collaboration, and groundbreaking technologies, including Wireless Acoustics by SVANTEK, designed for astronaut health monitoring in space. Discover how Poland is contributing to the future of space exploration and hear firsthand insights from the astronauts shaping the next chapter of human spaceflight.

The Acoustic Environment of the International Space Station (ISS)

Constant Background Noise

Unlike the short bursts of extreme noise during launch, the ISS maintains a constant background noise averaging around 72 dBA. Hundreds of systems—ventilation, life support, scientific instruments, and more—operate around the clock, creating a continuous hum that can fluctuate significantly. This dynamic soundscape demands careful, ongoing monitoring to detect and address any spikes that could endanger astronaut health or interfere with station functions. 

Effects of Noise on Crew Health and Operations

Decades of research, from Skylab and Mir to the ISS, show that prolonged noise exposure increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). High noise levels also cause stress, hinder communication, and may mask important alarms. The ISS is an enclosed environment, so astronauts have limited ways to escape persistent noise. A controlled acoustic atmosphere is thus vital for maintaining crew concentration and well-being, particularly during extended missions. 

Long-term Studies and Findings

Data collected since November 2001 reveal that astronauts sometimes exceed safe noise exposure limits. Even with protective strategies, constant background noise still poses a health risk over time. These findings underscore the necessity for ongoing improvements in noise management and monitoring to protect crews on future, longer missions—especially as space agencies plan for deeper space exploration. 

Managing Noise in Space Missions

Engineers employ various strategies to mitigate noise in space. Physical modifications—like acoustic blankets, improved insulation, and water-based sound-dampening—help reduce high noise from rocket engines (for example, from 195 dB down to around 142 dB). Inside spacecraft, acoustic dosimeters provide ongoing measurements of noise exposure, guiding adjustments to keep sound at safer levels.

Svantek’s Role in Space Noise Monitoring

A leader in acoustic and vibration measurement, Svantek has supplied NASA with noise-monitoring equipment for over a decade. In the past, SV 102A+ noise dosimeter has been used on the ISS to track and manage crew exposure. As the European Space Agency (ESA) prepares for the Gateway station near the Moon, it aims to adopt next-generation noise-monitoring technology. The new system must be small, lightweight, and Bluetooth-enabled so it can easily transfer data to health management software, like EveryWear.

Samantha Cristoforetti performs Acoustic Diagnostics aboard the ISS pillars with SV 102A+. Image: ESA/NASA

Historic Milestone for Polish Acoustics

The Wireless Acoustics project, developed by Svantek under leadership of engineer Karol Sazonow, in partnership with ESA and NASA, represents a significant leap in how acoustic data is collected and used for crew health. This is the first time advanced Polish sound-monitoring systems will be tested in space, marking an important step for Poland’s presence in the field of space acoustics.

The Historic Role of Sławosz Uznański - Wiśniewski

Sławosz Uznański – Wiśniewski, a Polish astronaut, will conduct hands-on tests of Svantek’s devices during his long-term ISS mission. His practical feedback will help refine the technology for future initiatives, including the planned Gateway station, and enhance overall noise monitoring for long-duration flights.

SVANTEK WIRELESS ACOUSTICS AXIOM MISSION 4 Ax-4 Dosimeter

Real-time Sound Recording and Analysis Technology

The Wireless Acoustics project introduces a groundbreaking system of wireless measurement devices capable of continuous real-time sound recording and analysis. During the ISS experiment, three key Svantek instruments will be tested:

  1. SV 104A – A personal acoustic dosimeter worn by astronauts. It measures noise near the ear over a 24-hour period, offering precise data on daily sound exposure.
  2. SV 971A – A high-quality sound level meter placed at a fixed location in the Columbus module, pinpointing specific noise sources and assessing their impact on astronaut health.
  3. SV 36 – A top-class acoustic calibrator that ensures SV 104A and SV 971A are accurately calibrated, compensating for any changes in temperature, humidity, or pressure.

Bluetooth Technology – Modern Wireless Communication

A major innovation in the Wireless Acoustics system is Bluetooth-based data transmission, allowing sound meters to stream real-time information to the EveryWear app on astronauts’ iPads. This not only simplifies data collection but also provides near-instant analysis for ground-based acoustics specialists. Encryption designed by Svantek’s developers ensures medical data remains secure during wireless transfer. Demonstrating Bluetooth’s reliability in orbit could pave the way for broader wireless systems in future missions, like the Gateway.

Rigorous Shock and EMC Testing

Before reaching orbit, Svantek’s devices underwent some of the toughest tests on Earth:

  • Shock testing: Simulating rocket launch conditions with extreme vibration, guaranteeing that devices function even under intense mechanical strain.
  • Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing: Ensuring the instruments meet military-grade standards for resistance to electromagnetic interference—a level of scrutiny rarely applied to commercial sound meters.

These comprehensive trials confirm that Svantek’s products can endure the stresses of space travel and operate reliably in the ISS’s complex electromagnetic environment.

Data Collection and Transfer Methodologies on ISS

To support daily safety and mission goals, astronauts need consistent noise-level information. Svantek’s devices collect noise data every minute for 24-hour periods, building detailed profiles of both personal and ambient sound in the ISS. The Bluetooth link to EveryWear automatically transmits this data, which is then downlinked to Earth for expert evaluation. This streamlined process ensures near-real-time feedback, enabling rapid interventions if noise levels spike.

Luca Parmitano running "Acoustic Diagnostics", an Italian Space Agency (ASI) experiment, in cooperation with the University of Rome Tor Vergata, to study the effects of the background noise of the ISS on the hearing of the astronauts. Svantek Sv 102 ESA
Luca Parmitano running Acoustic Diagnostics, to study ISS background noise effects on astronaut's health. Image: ESA/NASA

User Experience and Comparative Analysis

User experience is vital for any device used on the ISS. Astronauts must find instruments easy to set up and operate while conducting routine station activities. Comparative analyses show that newer models, like the SV 104A and SV 971A, outshine older devices by offering better data quality and simpler handling. These advantages allow crewmembers to gather more accurate information without increasing their workload.

Future Directions and Improvements in Noise Management

Looking ahead, smaller, more precise, and more energy-efficient devices will likely dominate spacecraft acoustics. Such advancements will enable rapid, automatic responses to changing noise conditions. Deeper integration with health management software—like ESA’s EveryWear—offers a single, unified platform for tracking both noise exposure and other health parameters, ensuring a holistic approach to crew well-being.

Prospects for Further Enhancing Acoustic Safety on ISS

ESA, NASA, and Svantek continue collaborating to bolster ISS noise safety. Efforts may include advanced real-time noise analysis algorithms, alert systems that activate preventive measures if limits are reached, and ongoing refinements to training for astronauts in noise monitoring. These improvements will help maintain a quieter and safer environment, paving the way for healthier, more productive crew members during prolonged missions.

Key Takeaways

  1. Complex Acoustic Environment: The ISS is filled with operational machinery and systems that generate continuous noise, necessitating advanced monitoring strategies to ensure crew safety.
  2. Svantek’s Innovative Systems: devices – SV 102A+, SV 104A, SV 971A – are crucial in capturing both ambient and personal noise exposure on the ISS.
  3. Wireless Acoustics Project: Real-time data transfer via Bluetooth to EveryWear software speeds up acoustic monitoring and enables immediate responses by ground experts.
  4. Enhanced User Experience: Newer dosimeters and sound level meters offer improved accuracy, comfort, and ease of use compared to older systems, better meeting astronaut needs.
  5. Future Pathways: Ongoing research and tighter integration with health systems will refine noise management protocols, supporting long-term crew health and successful deep-space missions.

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