A NASA astronaut at the International Space Station reported hearing a strange noise coming from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft just days before it is set to return to Earth on autopilot. The astronaut, Butch Wilmore, contacted Mission Control in Houston to inquire about the noise and played a recording of the pulsating sound so they could hear it as well. Mission Control described the noise as almost like a sonar ping and said they would investigate the source of the sound and inform Wilmore of their findings.
The source of the strange noise coming from the Starliner spacecraft was first reported by Ars Technica, citing a recording shared by meteorologist Rob Dale. NASA and Boeing were contacted to identify the source of the sound, but no conclusions have been reached yet. The strange noise is emanating from a speaker inside the Starliner, and further investigation is needed to determine its origin.
Despite the strange noise, the Starliner is scheduled to undock from the ISS and attempt to return to Earth on autopilot with a touchdown in the New Mexico desert. This decision was made after NASA deemed it too risky to bring back the astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, until February. The mission had been plagued with various issues, including thruster failures and helium leaks, postponing the astronauts’ return until it was safe to do so.
Boeing had hoped that Starliner’s first crew trip would revive the troubled spacecraft program after years of delays and increasing costs. The company had conducted multiple thruster tests in space and on the ground to ensure the safety of the spacecraft for its crewed missions. However, the problems that arose during the recent mission have led to further delays and uncertainties about the future of the Starliner program.
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft is currently docked at the International Space Station, with plans to depart and return to Earth on autopilot. The strange noise reported by astronaut Butch Wilmore raises concerns about the spacecraft’s condition, but further investigation is needed to determine the cause of the sound. NASA and Boeing are working together to address the issues and ensure a safe return for the astronauts onboard the Starliner.
In conclusion, the strange noise coming from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft has raised questions about its safety and reliability for future missions. Despite the setbacks and delays, NASA and Boeing are committed to investigating the issue and ensuring the successful return of the astronauts. The upcoming mission to return the Starliner to Earth on autopilot will be closely monitored, and any further developments regarding the sound will be shared with the public. The astronauts’ safety remains a top priority, and all necessary precautions will be taken to address the concerns raised by the strange noise on board the spacecraft.
