NASA Astronaut Reports Mysterious Noises from Starliner Capsule Ahead of Return to Earth

A NASA astronaut stationed at the International Space Station (ISS) made an unsettling report on Saturday, describing a “strange noise” originating from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. This incident comes just days before the capsule is scheduled to depart the ISS and return to Earth autonomously.

Communication with Mission Control

Butch Wilmore, the astronaut in question, contacted Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston to discuss the unusual sound. His communication was captured in an audio recording where he attempted to share the noise with the mission team.

A Disturbing Discovery

In the recording, Wilmore positioned a phone to the speakers, allowing Mission Control to hear the peculiar pulsating sound. The noise emitted in steady intervals, prompting a response from the control team. “Butch, that one came through,” an operator confirmed after the initial failure to pick up the sound. “It was kind of like a pulsating noise, almost like a sonar ping.”

Investigating the Source

“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,” Wilmore added, replaying the sound for further analysis. Mission Control assured him they would look into the recording and get back to him with findings.

Clarification on the Sound

Wilmore clarified that the strange noise was coming from a speaker located inside the Starliner. This bizarre occurrence was initially reported by Ars Technica, which referenced a recording shared by Michigan meteorologist Rob Dale.

The Future of the Starliner Mission

Fox News Digital has since reached out to both Mission Control and Boeing to determine whether investigators have identified the source of the noise. Meanwhile, Starliner remains slated to undock from the ISS, making an empty return attempt on autopilot, aiming for a landing in the New Mexico desert.

Delays and Challenges

The decision to delay the return of astronauts Wilmore and fellow crew member Suni Williams until February is primarily due to the recent setbacks encountered during their mission. Initially, the duo was expected to complete a weeklong trip in early June. However, the mission faced numerous complications, including thruster failures and helium leaks.

Boeing and the Starliner Program

Boeing hoped Starliner’s inaugural crewed flight would rejuvenate its problematic spacecraft program, which has been plagued by delays and escalating costs. The company has consistently asserted that Starliner is safe, citing recent successful thruster tests conducted both in space and on the ground.

Next Steps for NASA

As the situation develops, NASA officials remain vigilant. The Starliner’s upcoming return could provide crucial insights into its operational reliability. Astronauts and mission control teams are closely monitoring all communications from the spacecraft, ensuring safety and efficiency during this critical phase.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.