NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reports strange sonar-like sounds from within the Starliner, prompting an investigation by mission control.

On Saturday, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reported hearing unusual noises inside the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which has been docked at the International Space Station (ISS) for nearly three months. The incident occurred while Wilmore was inside the Starliner, preparing for routine operations. Suddenly, he noticed a strange sound emanating from one of the spacecraft’s speakers.

“I’ve got a question about Starliner,” Wilmore radioed to Mission Control at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “There’s a strange noise coming through the speaker … I don’t know what’s making it.” Unsure whether the noise was due to a connection issue between the ISS and Starliner or something else entirely, Wilmore requested that flight controllers listen in to the audio feed inside the spacecraft.

Mission Control quickly established a hardline connection to monitor the audio from Starliner. Wilmore placed his microphone near the speaker, and soon after, a distinctive pinging sound was heard. “Alright Butch, that one came through,” Mission Control confirmed. “It was kind of like a pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping.”

Wilmore repeated the process, capturing the eerie sound once more before handing the investigation back to Mission Control. “Alright, over to you. Call us if you figure it out,” he said, leaving the team of engineers to puzzle over the source of the noise.

The mystery surrounding these noises has sparked curiosity, especially given the challenges Boeing and NASA have faced with Starliner’s debut crewed flight. Earlier issues included substantial helium leaks during flight and malfunctioning thrusters, which have already delayed the spacecraft’s mission.

A recording of the strange noises, along with Wilmore’s conversation with Mission Control, was captured by Rob Dale, a Michigan-based meteorologist. The audio has since circulated among space enthusiasts, fueling speculation about its origin.

While the source of the sonar-like sound remains unclear, it’s not uncommon for astronauts to encounter strange noises in space. In 2003, Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei reported hearing what sounded like an “iron bucket being knocked by a wooden hammer” during China’s first human spaceflight. Later investigations attributed the noise to small deformations in the spacecraft due to pressure differences between its inner and outer walls.

Given the history of unusual sounds in space, this latest occurrence in Starliner is likely benign. Wilmore himself did not seem particularly alarmed by the noises, indicating that they may have a simple explanation. However, the timing of the incident—coming on the heels of significant technical challenges with Starliner—adds a layer of intrigue.

NASA has announced that due to uncertainties regarding Starliner’s current flyability, the spacecraft will return to Earth autonomously on Friday, September 6. Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams, who were originally slated to return aboard Starliner, will now travel back to Earth next February using a Crew Dragon spacecraft scheduled to launch later this month.

Analysis:

Political: The mysterious noises in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft underscore the broader challenges faced by NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Starliner’s development has been fraught with delays and technical issues, leading to concerns about the program’s ability to meet its objectives. Politically, this incident could fuel further scrutiny of Boeing’s role in the program, especially in comparison to SpaceX, whose Crew Dragon spacecraft has already successfully completed multiple crewed missions. The noises, though likely benign, could exacerbate existing tensions between NASA and its contractors, as the agency continues to rely on private companies to fulfill its human spaceflight ambitions. Any further setbacks could have implications for NASA’s budget allocations and future partnerships.

Social: Socially, the incident involving the mysterious noises in Starliner has captured the public imagination, highlighting the fascination with space exploration and the unknown. The idea of strange, sonar-like sounds emanating from a spacecraft evokes imagery straight out of science fiction, sparking curiosity and concern among space enthusiasts and the general public alike. This event has also emphasized the human element of space missions, as astronaut Butch Wilmore’s calm yet puzzled reaction adds a relatable dimension to the narrative. The widespread sharing of the audio recording on social media platforms has further amplified interest, demonstrating how space events can quickly become part of the public discourse, blending technical details with the thrill of the unknown.

Racial: While the incident itself does not directly intersect with racial issues, it serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds of those involved in space exploration. The international collaboration at the ISS, which includes astronauts from various nations and ethnicities, reflects the broader goal of unity in advancing human knowledge. The incident, though minor, reinforces the idea that space exploration is a global endeavor, transcending racial and cultural boundaries. As space agencies continue to diversify their astronaut corps, events like this highlight the importance of inclusive participation in addressing the challenges and mysteries of space.

Gender: Gender does not play a direct role in this particular event, but the inclusion of diverse voices in the narrative of space exploration is essential. With astronauts like Suni Williams, a female astronaut scheduled to return on a Crew Dragon spacecraft, the space community continues to push for gender equality in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. The broader discussion surrounding the mysterious noises in Starliner could also serve as an opportunity to highlight the contributions of women in space science and engineering, fostering a more inclusive conversation about the future of human spaceflight.

Economic: Economically, the mysterious noises in Starliner could have broader implications for Boeing and its role in NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. Boeing has already faced financial strain due to the delays and technical challenges associated with Starliner, and any additional issues could further impact the company’s reputation and bottom line. The costs of investigating and resolving the source of the noises, along with ensuring the spacecraft’s safety, add to the financial pressures. For NASA, the incident highlights the risks of relying on commercial partners for critical missions, potentially influencing future contract decisions and funding allocations. The broader economic impact could also extend to the space tourism industry, as any perceived safety concerns might affect public confidence in commercial space travel.