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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

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Noise at the International Space Station

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