Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Dozens of homeowners are suing Elon Musk’s SpaceX, alleging that sonic booms from rocket testing damaged their Texas homes. The lawsuit was filed last week in federal court by 80 South Texas residents. They accused SpaceX of gross negligence and trespassing from sonic booms that happened during 11 rocket tests between April 2023 and October 2025, according to the Texas Tribune. Because SpaceX tests involved rockets that launched and returned, sometimes the homes faced prolonged periods of damaging noise, according to the suit. A sonic boom is a wave created by an object moving faster than the speed of sound. According to the U.S. Air Force, some strong sonic booms can cause damage such as shattered glass. SpaceX did not respond to the Tribune about the lawsuit. The Independent has also reached out to SpaceX. open image in gallery Some South Texas residents are suing Elon Musk’s SpaceX claiming sonic booms from rocket launches have damaged their homes (AFP via Getty Images) The residents say that during a Starship rocket launch in 2023, the force from the 33-engine booster destroyed the launch pad and sent debris as far as three-quarters of a mile away. Specific damage to the homes was not included in the lawsuit, according to the Tribune. However, the filing stated that booms can cause damage to walls, windows and roofs. The filing asks for an unspecified amount of money. The Federal Aviation Administration in 2025 authorized SpaceX to launch up to 25 rockets per year from South Texas, according to the Tribune. That is five times more than the year before. SpaceX has also seen massive growth in the South Texas region in recent years. Company employees founded the city Starbase, Texas, in May 2025. open image in gallery