NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have drawn attention to “strange noises” emanating from the malfunctioning Starliner capsule as of August 1, 2024. These experienced astronauts, stationed on the International Space Station (ISS), reported a ‘pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping,’ based on a recording initially shared by meteorologist Rob Dale.
The “bizarre sound” was first reported by a tech publication, referencing the recording captured and shared by Dale, who resides in Michigan. In the recording, Wilmore holds his phone up to the speakers to allow Mission Control to hear the noise. The recording distinctly features a rhythmic, pulsing sound emanating from Wilmore’s phone.
“Butch, that one came through,” Mission Control responds. “It was kind of like a pulsating noise, almost like a sonar ping,” they added.
NEWS 🚨: Astronauts are reporting that Boeing Starliner is emitting strange “sonar like noises”
This is the real audio of it:
pic.twitter.com/iMuIkFfj6U— Latest in space (@latestinspace) September 1, 2024
Due to the unclear nature of the initial recording, Wilmore offered to record it again for a more detailed analysis. “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,” said Wilmore, who is currently aboard the ISS. The origin of the noise appears to be from the speaker inside the Starliner.
The Mission Control team has yet to provide an official response to media inquiries. However, in the recording, they assure the astronauts that the sound will be investigated, and findings will be communicated.
The tech publication notes that astronauts often encounter unusual sounds in space. While the sonar-like noises heard this weekend might not be overly concerning, given past issues with the Starliner’s crewed flights, including helium leaks and thruster problems, these noises warrant attention.
Initially planned as a one-week mission, the astronauts’ stay has extended to several months. On Saturday, NASA deemed it too risky to return the astronauts to Earth in Boeing’s new capsule, postponing their return until next year with SpaceX. Wilmore and Williams are now expected to return in a SpaceX capsule in February.
Meanwhile, the empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt to return autonomously, targeting a landing in the New Mexico desert.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AOL reports that a NASA astronaut at the ISS heard strange noises from the Boeing Starliner, which may be problematic ahead of its return to Earth.(read more)
- The Economic Times reports that NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are stranded on the International Space Station due to issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, with tests currently underway to determine if it is safe for their return.(read more)
- The New York Sun reports on a bizarre sonar-like noise emanating from the empty Boeing Starliner capsule, baffling NASA engineers and amateur space sleuths alike.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What strange noises are NASA astronauts hearing in the Starliner?
They report a ‘pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping.’
Who first shared the recording of the strange noises?
The recording was first shared by meteorologist Rob Dale.
How is NASA handling the strange noises from the Starliner?
Mission Control is investigating the recording and will inform the astronauts of their findings.
When are the astronauts expected to return to Earth?
They are set to return in a SpaceX capsule in February.
What will happen to the malfunctioning Starliner capsule?
The empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and aim to land in the New Mexico desert.
