NASA Astronaut Reports Mysterious Noises from Boeing Starliner before Return

A NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) reported hearing unusual sounds from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on Saturday. This incident occurred just days before the spacecraft’s scheduled return to Earth.

In a communication with Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, astronaut Butch Wilmore raised concerns about the peculiar noise emanating from the Starliner.

During an audio exchange, Wilmore held his phone up to the speakers, allowing Mission Control to listen to the sound directly. A distinct, pulsating noise could be heard, emanating at steady intervals from his device.

“Butch, that one came through,” responded Mission Control after initially missing the sound. “It was kind of like a pulsating noise, almost like a sonar ping.”

Further Investigation into the Sound

Wilmore decided to play the sound again for Mission Control, inviting them to ponder its origin. “I’ll do it one more time and let you all scratch your heads and see if you can figure out what’s going on,” he said.

Following the re-recording, Mission Control indicated that they would pass the information along for further analysis.

It is worth noting that Wilmore specified the sound originated from a speaker inside the Starliner, heightening the intrigue surrounding the spacecraft’s condition.

Background on the Boeing Starliner

The unusual audio event was first reported by Ars Technica, which referenced a recording provided by meteorologist Rob Dale from Michigan. Many experts are now left wondering about the nature and cause of this strange noise.

In related developments, Fox News Digital reached out to both Mission Control and Boeing for comments regarding the sound and any identification of its source.

The Starliner spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS, empty, and attempt an autonomous landing in the New Mexico desert. This return marks a pivotal moment for the troubled spacecraft, which has faced a series of technical setbacks.

Delay in Astronaut Return

Originally, NASA planned to bring back Wilmore and astronaut Suni Williams in a week-long trip that began in early June. However, technical issues like thruster failures and helium leaks have delayed the mission, now expected to be resolved in February.

Boeing had relied on Starliner’s first manned mission to rejuvenate its spacecraft program, which has been plagued by complications and increased costs. Despite recent thruster tests demonstrating safety in both space and on the ground, concerns about the spacecraft persist.

Anticipation for Future Missions

As the Space Agency and Boeing work diligently to address these issues, space enthusiasts and professionals alike will be closely monitoring further developments. The outcome of the Starliner’s autonomous return will not only determine the future of the spacecraft but also set the stage for future missions involving human crews.

Continued transparency from NASA and Boeing regarding these challenges will be crucial in maintaining public trust and interest in manned space missions.

Innovation and resilience are at the core of space exploration, and while this instance raises questions, it also opens the door for potential advancements in safety protocols and technology integration.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.