In an unexpected turn of events aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams reported hearing mysterious “sonar-like” noises emanating from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
Alarming sounds
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), reported a series of “strange noises” emanating from the malfunctioning Starliner capsule. The noise, described as a “pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping,” was first revealed in a recording shared by meteorologist Rob Dale.
The Bizarre sound: A closer look
The initial report of the unusual sound came from Ars Technica, which referenced Rob Dale’s recording. In the recording, Wilmore can be heard holding his phone up to the speakers, allowing Mission Control to hear the strange noise. The sound, described as a steady, pulsing beat, is distinctly audible.
“Butch, that one came through,” Mission Control responded to Wilmore’s transmission. “It was kind of like a pulsating noise, almost like a sonar ping,” they added.
As the noise was not clear the first time, Wilmore offered to repeat the recording, saying, “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.” He clarified that the sound was coming from the speaker inside the Starliner.
Space oddity or serious concern?
While Mission Control has yet to respond to media inquiries, they assured the astronauts that the recording would be investigated, and findings would be communicated. Ars Technica noted that hearing unusual sounds in space is not uncommon. However, given the Starliner’s history of technical issues—including helium leaks and thruster problems—these noises are particularly noteworthy.
Extended mission and return plans
Originally planned as a one-week mission, the astronauts’ stay has been unexpectedly extended by several months. NASA decided it was too dangerous to bring the astronauts back to Earth in Boeing’s new capsule, delaying their return until next year. Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams are now scheduled to return in a SpaceX capsule in February.
Meanwhile, the empty Starliner capsule is set to undock in early September and attempt a solo return, aiming to land in the New Mexico desert.
