NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore report unexplained noise aboard Boeing’s Starliner

Stranded NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have reported hearing strange noises from the faulty Starliner capsule. The rhythmic, pulsating noise, occurring just days before the Starliner's scheduled return to Earth, has been described as a "sonar ping" by Wilmore. Despite these eerie sounds, the astronauts have continued their scientific research and maintenance work.

The Starliner capsule, which has faced multiple technical issues, is capturing attention once more due to these new sounds. Meteorologist Rob Dale first shared a recording of the noise, which sounds like a "pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping," as described by Wilmore. Mission Control initially missed the noise but eventually acknowledged, "Butch, that one came through."

"Butch, that one came through," Mission Control remarked after missing it initially.


"It was kind of like a pulsating noise, almost like a sonar ping," they further explained.


Wilmore offered to replay the sound for further assessment. He confirmed that the noise was originating from the Starliner’s internal speaker.

"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," Wilmore stated to Mission Control, replaying the sound.

Wilmore reiterated that the sound was indeed emanating from the Starliner’s internal speaker.

Astronauts often encounter unusual noises in space, and this sonar-like noise detected over the weekend may not be particularly complicated. Wilmore remained calm about the sound. However, these peculiar noises are significant given Boeing and NASA's ongoing issues with the Starliner, including helium leaks and thruster problems during crewed flights.

Mission Control has yet to provide an official comment to the media. However, in the recording, they assured the astronauts that they would investigate the audio and relay their findings. Wilmore emphasized again that the noise was coming from the Starliner's speaker.

Originally planned as a one-week mission aboard Boeing's Starliner, technical setbacks such as helium leaks and thruster malfunctions have extended Williams and Wilmore's stay on the ISS. Their return is now scheduled for February 2025, using a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

During their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore have continued their scientific research and maintenance tasks. Williams, a veteran astronaut with over 400 days in space, has played a pivotal role in various projects and experiments on the station.

As the February 2025 return date approaches, NASA and Boeing are expected to address these ongoing Starliner issues, ensuring a safe journey back for the astronauts.