Artemis II Seismic Boom: Rockets' Impact on Earth Revealed

USF researchers utilize seismic and infrasound sensors to study the powerful effects of the Artemis II launch on the ground and atmosphere.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:59am

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A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones depicting sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and intersecting waveforms, conceptually representing the complex seismic and infrasound forces generated by the Artemis II rocket launch.The Artemis II launch unleashed a seismic and atmospheric boom, offering scientists a rare glimpse into the profound impacts of powerful rocket technology on our planet.Cape Canaveral Today

The recent launch of NASA's Artemis II rocket has provided an unprecedented opportunity for scientists to study the seismic and atmospheric impacts of powerful rocket launches. Researchers at the University of South Florida have been using specialized seismic and infrasound sensors to measure the ground motion and low-frequency sound waves generated by the launch, offering new insights into how rockets affect the Earth.

Why it matters

The data collected from the Artemis II launch will be invaluable for a wide range of stakeholders, from structural engineers to wildlife biologists, as it can help assess infrastructure resilience and potential environmental impacts. Additionally, this research is training the next generation of scientists and contributing to safer and more sustainable space exploration as launch capabilities continue to grow.

The details

The USF team, led by Research Assistant Professor Glenn Thompson, has been studying rocket seismology at Kennedy Space Center for over a decade. With the immense power of Artemis II, the researchers were able to separate the direct seismic energy generated by the rocket's ignition from the more significant impact of its intense jet noise. The latter produces powerful sound waves that interact with the ground, creating vibrations that dominate the direct seismic signals. By combining seismic and infrasound data, the team gained a unique perspective on how rockets affect both the ground and the atmosphere.

  • The Artemis II launch occurred in April 2026.

The players

Glenn Thompson

A research assistant professor at the University of South Florida who has been studying rocket seismology at Kennedy Space Center for over a decade.

Jacob Richardson

A USF alum who is now the deputy lunar science lead on the Artemis II lunar science team, after participating in the first seismic monitoring deployment in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“We were listening to the rocket through the atmosphere and the ground simultaneously.”

— Glenn Thompson, Research Assistant Professor, University of South Florida

What’s next

The USF team is part of a NASA proposal to scale up the research, deploying an even larger network of seismic and infrasound stations for an upcoming SpaceX Starship launch, which is expected to surpass the power of Artemis II and provide an even more intense seismic event to study.

The takeaway

The Artemis II launch has opened a new chapter in seismic research, offering a unique perspective on the effects of powerful rockets on our planet. As space exploration capabilities continue to grow, initiatives like this are crucial for understanding the impacts and ensuring responsible and sustainable space travel.