NASA fixes noise problem with Boeing Starliner spacecraft
NASA has solved the mystery surrounding a strange noise heard inside the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which was being used for a crewed mission scheduled for launch on June 5, 2024. The sound, described as a “pulsing” sound similar to a sonar ping, was attributed to feedback from a speaker inside the spacecraft. NASA said the noise was the result of an audio configuration issue between the Starliner and the International Space Station (ISS). The space agency has assured that the feedback does not pose a risk to the spacecraft’s mission.
Details of the incident
The noise problem came to attention when astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, aboard the Starliner, reported hearing the unusual sound while communicating with mission control. The situation was taken seriously and NASA immediately investigated it. In a propositionThe agency clarified that the speakers’ feedback was normal and had no technical impact on the spacecraft or the ongoing mission.
Former astronaut Chris Hadfield comment given about the situation on X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed that he would rather avoid such noises in space. Despite the concerns, the feedback has stopped and NASA has confirmed that the spacecraft’s autonomous return to Earth is on schedule.
Return and mission status
The Starliner mission, originally scheduled to last about 10 days, was delayed due to problems with the propulsion system. As a result, NASA decided that astronauts Wilmore and Sunita Williams would return to Earth in February 2025 in a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead of the Starliner.
The Boeing Starliner is not expected to undock from the ISS until 6:04 p.m. EDT on September 6, 2024 (03:34 a.m. IST). The unmanned capsule is expected to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, ending its troubled mission.
