NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore report 'Strange Noises' from faulty starliner

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have reported hearing "strange noises" from their malfunctioning Starliner capsule, as of August 1, 2024. The astronauts, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), described the sounds as a "pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping." The noises were first shared by meteorologist Rob Dale, who recorded them.

Mission control response

Ars Technica reported the unusual sounds, with Wilmore holding his phone up to share the noise with Mission Control. The team confirmed hearing the pulsing sound and promised to investigate further. Wilmore indicated that he would try to reproduce the sound for clearer analysis, saying, "I’ll do it one more time and let you all scratch your heads."

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Mission Control has assured the astronauts that the sound will be investigated, though they have not yet responded to media inquiries. The noise is coming from inside the Starliner, which has faced issues like helium leaks and thruster problems in the past. 

Despite the odd noises, Wilmore did not seem overly concerned. It’s not uncommon for astronauts to hear strange sounds in space, and NASA and Boeing are working to address the issues with the Starliner capsule.

Return plan delayed

Originally planned as a one-week mission, the astronauts' return has been delayed. NASA has decided it is too risky to bring them back in the Starliner, so they will now return in a SpaceX capsule scheduled for February. The empty Starliner capsule will undock in early September and attempt a solo return, aiming to land in the New Mexico desert.