Unusual sounds originating from the Boeing Starliner currently stationed at the International Space Station (ISS) are not cause for concern, according to NASA.
Astronaut Butch Wilmore, who has been aboard the ISS with his fellow astronaut Suni since early July due to issues with the Starliner, reported to mission control that he could detect “strange” noises emanating from the spacecraft over the weekend.
“I’m unsure what is causing it,” he communicated to his colleagues on the ground.
He urged them to “ponder over it and see if you can determine what’s happening,” and requested that they “reach out if you find an explanation”.
Mission control indicated that it resembled a “pulsing noise, akin to a sonar ping”.
Presently, NASA has verified that the sound has ceased and there are no reasons for alarm.
“The pulsing noise from a speaker in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft that was heard by NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore aboard the International Space Station has stopped,” the agency stated in their announcement.
“The feedback from the speaker resulted from an audio setup between the space station and the Starliner.”
NASA astronauts Suni Williams, left, and Butch Wilmore prior to their launch in Boeing’s Starliner in July. Pic: NASA
The audio system in the space station integrates multiple spacecraft and modules.
“Experiencing noise and feedback is quite typical,” NASA noted.
Importantly, the space agency emphasized that these sounds will not affect the crew or the operations of the space station, including the scheduled departure of Starliner from the ISS this Friday.
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The troubled spacecraft has remained at the space station since July. This marked Boeing’s Starliner’s maiden crewed flight, which has faced numerous challenges since its inception.
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Astronauts stuck until February
However, due to several systemic failures, the spacecraft is unable to facilitate the return of the two astronauts it transported there.
Instead, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are scheduled to return via a SpaceX vehicle in February 2025.
They originally anticipated a stay of just eight days; by the time of their departure, it will have been nearly eight months.
The spacecraft is anticipated to begin its return journey to Earth this Friday, though it will not be carrying any astronauts.
