Strange Noises Emitted By Broken Down Starliner Spacecraft Detected

The Mysterious Noises from Boeing's Starliner Spacecraft

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the International Space Station, has begun emitting strange and unsettling noises, prompting both astronauts and Mission Control to investigate the source of these sounds. The incident adds to the series of technical issues the spacecraft has faced since its launch.

The Discovery of the Noises

On Saturday, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reported hearing an unusual noise coming through a speaker inside the Starliner spacecraft. Wilmore described the noise as a "strange noise coming through the speaker" and expressed uncertainty about its cause, wondering if it might be related to the connection between the space station and the spacecraft.

To help identify the source, Wilmore put his microphone next to the speaker, allowing Mission Control in Houston to hear the noise. The audio captured a distinct pinging noise, which Mission Control described as "kind of like a pulsing noise, almost like a sonar ping".

Technical Background and Possible Causes

The Starliner spacecraft communicates with the space station via radio frequency systems while in flight and uses a hardline umbilical for audio once docked. This setup could potentially introduce various sources of interference or anomalies. Here are some possible explanations for the strange noises:

• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): One theory is that the noise could be due to electromagnetic interference from other systems on the spacecraft or the space station. For example, it could be interference from a rotating radar disc on the ISS or from other unintentional radiators like radio signals or bus communications.
• Audio Feedback: Another possibility is that the noise is caused by a microphone being accidentally keyed in a NASA office, leading to feedback from a speaker elsewhere in the building. This would explain the 500ms ping delay observed in the communication.
• System Malfunction: Given Starliner's history of technical issues, including helium leaks and thruster failures, it is also plausible that the noise is a symptom of a deeper system malfunction. However, this would need further investigation to confirm.

Impact on the Mission

The Starliner spacecraft has been plagued by several technical problems since its launch on June 13. These issues include substantial helium leaks and failing thrusters, which have raised concerns about the spacecraft's safety for crewed missions. As a result, NASA decided that Starliner would return to Earth autonomously on September 6 without its original crew, Wilmore and Suni Williams. The astronauts will instead return to Earth in February aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Historical Context and Similar Incidents

While the current situation is unique, it is not the first time astronauts have reported unusual noises in space. For instance, during China's first human spaceflight in 2003, astronaut Yang Liwei reported hearing a noise similar to an iron bucket being knocked by a wooden hammer. This noise was later attributed to small deformations in the spacecraft due to pressure differences between its inner and outer walls.

Future Steps and Concerns

The investigation into the strange noises is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether these sounds will affect the planned recovery of the Starliner spacecraft. The decision to return the spacecraft autonomously adds an extra layer of complexity, as Starliner was originally designed to always have a crew on board. This change in plans underscores the challenges Boeing and NASA face in ensuring the reliability and safety of the Starliner for future missions.

As the space community continues to monitor this situation, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and uncertainties involved in space exploration, even with advanced technology and rigorous testing.