Svantek » Case Studies » Svantek in Space

Case Study:
Noise Measurement at the International Space Station (ISS)

Ensuring Hearing Safety and Communication Clarity in Space

Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski during the Wireless Acoustics experiment with the Svantek sound measurement devices - SV 971A and SV 104A. COPYRIGHT: ESA–S. Uznański-Wiśniewski

Introduction

Measuring astronaut noise expousure in space with SVANTEK instruments

This case study highlights how SVANTEK instrumentation was used during Axiom Mission 4 to monitor astronaut noise exposure and ambient sound levels, ensuring hearing safety, communication clarity, and compliance with mission requirements in the unique acoustic environment of space. Axiom Mission 4 astronauts measured personal and ambient noise inside the International Space Station, where persistent background noise averages around 72 dBA with occasional spikes. The tightly sealed, reflective interior amplifies the challenge.

Measurement Operator

On-Orbit Measurements by Axiom Mission 4 Crew with ESA/NASA and SVANTEK

The Ax-4 crew, supported by ESA/NASA collaboration and SVANTEK’s Applications Team, executed on-orbit measurements with pre-flight planning and post-flight analysis. Procedures included reference calibration, Columbus-module placement, astronaut-worn dosimetry protocols, and secure data transfer through ESA’s EveryWear system for medical workflow integration.

Challenge

Balancing Astronaut Health, Communication, and Hardware Constraints

Continuous background noise on the ISS can mask alarms and increase cognitive load. The challenge was to continuously monitor near-ear exposure and localized ambient levels without adding mass, cabling, or electromagnetic risk—while delivering near-real-time data access for both medical and engineering teams on Earth.

Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski installs the SV 971A Sound Level Meter aboard the ISS. COPYRIGHT: ESA–S. Uznański-Wiśniewski

Technology Used

SVANTEK Class 1 Instruments Validated for Spaceflight

SV 104A Personal Dosimeter – Recorded 24-hour astronaut exposure histories for medical review.

SV 971A Sound Level Meter – Provided Class 1 SPL analysis to identify module noise sources.

SV 36 Acoustic Calibrator – Ensured traceable calibration under variable ISS conditions.

SV 104A & SV 971A & SV 36

Expert Insight

Integrating Personal and Ambient Noise Data Improves Accuracy

“Accurate evaluation of the ISS acoustic environment relied on combining personal exposure data, fixed-point ambient noise history, and crew activity records. The ability to insert event markers during high-vibration shocks was crucial to exclude artifacts and ensure reliable datasets.”

Karol Sazanov, Noise & Vibration Expert

The SV 104A Personal Noise Dosimeter was a key measurement device during the Wireless Acoustics experiment, continuously recording noise exposure on the ISS. COPYRIGHT: ESA–S. Uznański-Wiśniewski

Result

Combined personal and ambient data produced synchronized, event-tagged datasets.

Near-real-time access enabled prompt ground-based review.

Compact wireless workflow met all flight hardware and EMC requirements.

Space-validated methods are directly transferable to terrestrial sectors such as industry, construction, and laboratories.

The SV 971A Sound Level Meter continuously measured noise levels on the International Space Station during the Wireless Acoustics experiment. COPYRIGHT: ESA–S. Uznański-Wiśniewski

Request a solution

Get expert support and a customized measurement solution with SVANTEK instruments and services.

Please indicate the subject of your enquiry:

Consent to contact via emailRead more...

I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data, i.e. my full name and e-mail address, by SVANTEK SP. Z O.O. with its registered office in Warsaw at ul. Strzygłowska 81 for the purpose of receiving marketing information on the products and services offered by SVANTEK SP. Z O.O. via electronic means of communication, in particular via e-mail, in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 sec. 1 and 2 of the Act on providing services by electronic means.

Consent to contact via phoneRead more...

I hereby consent to the processing of my personal data, i.e. my full name and phone number, by SVANTEK SP. Z O.O. with its registered office in Warsaw at ul. Strzygłowska 81 for the purpose of marketing activities with the use of telecommunications terminal equipment and automatic calling machines within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act.

Consent to receiving newsletterRead more...

I hereby consent to receiving from SVANTEK SP. Z O.O. with its registered office in Warsaw at ul. Strzygłowska 81, via electronic means to the e-mail address I have provided, the newsletter and marketing information on the products and services offered by SVANTEK SP. Z O.O., within the meaning of the Act on providing services by electronic means.

* Consent to contact by authorised Svantek DistributorRead more...

I declare that I have been informed that my data may be transferred to entities that process personal data on behalf of the Administrator, in particular to distributors - such entities process data on the basis of an agreement with the Administrator and exclusively in accordance with its instructions. In such cases, the Administrator requires third parties to maintain the confidentiality and security of information and verifies that they provide appropriate measures to protect personal data.

Some of the entities processing personal data on behalf of the Administrator are established outside the EEA. In connection with the transfer of your data outside the EEA, the Administrator verifies that these entities provide guarantees of a high level of personal data protection. These guarantees stem in particular from the obligation to apply the standard contractual clauses adopted by the Commission (EU). You have the right to request a copy of the standard contractual clauses by sending a request to the Controller.

I declare that I have been informed on my right to withdraw my consent to the processing of my personal data at any time, to access the provided personal data, to rectify, erase, restrict processing and object to the processing of my data, as well as the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the of the Personal Data Protection Office in the event of an infringement of the provisions of GDPR.

Noise at the International Space Station

What is Sound?

Sound measurements

Case Study: Noise Measurement at the International Space Station (ISS)