NASA Astronaut Reports Mysterious ‘Sonar Ping’ from Boeing Starliner Days Before Critical Return Mission

NASA Astronaut Reports Unusual Noise from Boeing Starliner Ahead of Scheduled Return

A NASA astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS) reported hearing an unusual noise coming from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft just days before it was set to depart from the station and return to Earth on autopilot. The astronaut, Butch Wilmore, immediately contacted Mission Control at Johnson Space Center in Houston to discuss the strange sound.

Strange Noise Raises Concerns
During the exchange with Mission Control, Wilmore used his device to capture and relay the sound through the station’s speakers, allowing ground control to listen. According to the audio recording, the noise, described as a steady pulsating sound, resembled a sonar ping. Although initially faint, Mission Control eventually heard the sound clearly.

“Butch, that one came through,” Mission Control responded, acknowledging the strange, pulsating noise. They assured Wilmore that they would pass the recording to the appropriate teams for further analysis. Wilmore clarified that the noise emanated from the speaker inside the Starliner, adding to the mystery surrounding its source.

Investigation Underway
This development is critical as the Starliner is scheduled to undock from the ISS in the coming days and return to Earth without a crew, landing in the New Mexico desert. The spacecraft, which has faced multiple challenges during its mission, including thruster failures and helium leaks, is under heightened scrutiny as NASA and Boeing prepare for its return.

NASA decided against bringing Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams back on this trip, deeming it too risky. The two astronauts, originally slated to return to Earth in early June, will remain aboard the ISS until February.

Starliner’s Troubled History
Since its inception, the Boeing Starliner program has been plagued with issues. This mission is intended to demonstrate the spacecraft’s readiness for crewed flights. Despite recent thruster tests showing promising results, the discovery of the strange noise adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging mission.

NASA and Boeing have yet to identify the noise source, and investigations are ongoing. Ars Technica first reported the incident, following a recording shared by Michigan-based meteorologist Rob Dale.

As the spacecraft’s return nears, all eyes are on Boeing and NASA to ensure a safe and successful landing, with the hope that this latest issue does not signal further complications.

Looking Ahead
Boeing hoped this mission would mark a turning point for the Starliner program, which has experienced delays and escalating costs. The company remains confident in the spacecraft’s safety. Still, the discovery of this strange noise could cast doubt on the program’s future.

NASA and Boeing are expected to provide updates as they continue to investigate the source of the sound. In the meantime, the Starliner’s undocking and return to Earth remain on schedule, with the spacecraft set to attempt an autopilot landing soon.

As the investigation unfolds, the space community awaits further information on this enigmatic development, hoping for a successful and safe resolution to the mission.