NASA Astronaut Reports Unusual Sounds from Boeing Starliner Ahead of Return Mission

A NASA astronaut stationed at the International Space Station (ISS) has raised concerns after hearing “strange noises” coming from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. This unexpected audio was reported just days before the scheduled autonomous return of the spacecraft to Earth.

Communication with Mission Control

The astronaut, Butch Wilmore, communicated with Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston to discuss the peculiar noise. An audio recording of the incident reveals Wilmore holding a phone up to the speakers, allowing Mission Control to hear the sound he described.

Audio Capture of the Strange Noise

In the recording, a pulsating sound at steady intervals is audible. “Butch, that one came through,” Mission Control confirms after initially not hearing it. They describe the noise as similar to a sonar ping, further raising eyebrows about the spacecraft’s condition.

Recurring Sound Concerns

To further assist with the investigation, Wilmore offers to play the sound once again, allowing Mission Control a second chance to identify the issue. He clarifies that the sound is emanating from the speaker inside the Starliner, making it a significant piece of evidence for engineers to analyze.

Mission Control noted that they would pass the audio recording along for deeper analysis and keep Wilmore updated on their findings. This communication underscores NASA’s commitment to addressing potential concerns regarding the safety of its missions.

Background on Starliner’s Mission

The peculiar sound was first highlighted by Ars Technica, which referenced a recording initially shared by Michigan-based meteorologist Rob Dale. Currently, Starliner is scheduled to undock from the ISS, making a return journey autonomously, with the intent to safely land in the New Mexico desert.

However, NASA has deemed it too hazardous to bring Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams back until February. This delay follows a series of setbacks, including thruster failures and helium leaks. Previously, the astronauts were expected to conclude their mission with a one-week trip in early June.

Boeing’s Starliner Challenges

The Starliner program was anticipated to mark a significant revival in Boeing’s troubled spacecraft development, following years of setbacks and rising costs. Boeing has maintained that Starliner’s safety has been verified through extensive thruster tests conducted both in space and on the ground.

This incident raises important questions about the reliability of the spacecraft and the broader implications for future missions. NASA and Boeing officials continue to investigate the nature of the strange sounds and their possible impact on upcoming tech developments in space travel.

Implications for Future Missions

The presence of unexpected noises within the spacecraft could indicate underlying technical problems that need immediate attention. As space agencies increasingly rely on advanced technologies for human spaceflight, ensuring these systems function correctly becomes paramount.

Moreover, this situation highlights the importance of continuous communication between astronauts in space and mission control on Earth. It’s these interactions that can provide critical insights into potential issues and help maintain the safety of the crew.

As more information surfaces regarding the source of the sounds, the space community eagerly awaits updates from NASA and Boeing regarding the status of the Starliner program and the fate of its current crew.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.