NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have reported hearing unusual "strange noises" coming from the malfunctioning Star liner capsule as of August 1, 2024. Currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the veteran astronauts described the noise as a “pulsing sound, almost like a sonar ping,” captured in a recording first shared by Michigan-based meteorologist Rob Dale.
The recording, highlighted by Ars Technica, reveals Wilmore holding his phone up to the speakers so Mission Control could hear the steady, rhythmic noise. Although Mission Control has yet to officially respond to media inquiries, they assured the astronauts in the recording that the sound would be investigated and that they would be informed of the findings. Wilmore clarified that the sound originated from inside the Star liner capsule.
While unusual noises in space aren't uncommon, this particular sound is notable given the ongoing technical challenges Boeing and NASA have faced with the Starliner's crewed flights, including significant helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. These issues have already extended what was initially planned as a one-week mission into several months.
Due to safety concerns, NASA has decided it is too risky to bring the astronauts back to Earth in the Starliner. Instead, Wilmore and Williams are now scheduled to return in a SpaceX capsule in February 2025
