NASA astronaut reports strange noise aboard stranded Boeing Starliner

NASA astronaut reports strange "sonar ping" noise from stranded Boeing Starliner aboard ISS, prompting investigation.

NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, currently stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with fellow astronaut Suni Williams, reported an unusual noise coming from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The noise, described as "pulsating" and similar to a "sonar ping," was first communicated to Johnson Space Center in Houston, according to audio obtained by Ars Technica.

Wilmore initially contacted mission control, saying, "I've got a question about Starliner. There's a strange noise coming through the speaker... I don't know what's making it." Mission control was able to hear the noise after a second attempt and confirmed its unusual nature.

The incident was first shared by Michigan-based meteorologist Rob Dale, who captured and shared the recording. Wilmore played the audio again for NASA, stating, “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.” NASA has promised to investigate the noise and provide feedback to the astronauts.

Wilmore and Williams have been stranded on the ISS since June 6, 2024, due to technical issues with the Starliner, including thruster troubles and helium leaks. Originally scheduled for a week-long stay, the astronauts are now expected to return to Earth in February 2025, aboard a SpaceX ship.

This latest development adds to the ongoing challenges faced by Boeing's Starliner program, which has been plagued by delays and technical issues. The situation remains under close observation as NASA continues to address the concerns raised by the astronauts.