NASA identifies the source of the mysterious ‘pulsing’ sound that stranded astronauts heard coming from the Boeing spacecraft.
NASA has addressed the mysterious ‘pulsing’ sound reported by astronauts aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
This update comes after months of complications with the spacecraft’s maiden voyage.
The situation with Boeing Starliner
In June, astronauts Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita Williams embarked on what was meant to be an eight-day mission aboard the Boeing Starliner.
However, the mission has faced significant challenges.
Nearly three months later, Wilmore and Williams remain on the International Space Station (ISS) instead of returning to Earth.
The Starliner was initially scheduled to return to Earth unmanned on September 6.
However, the mission has been marred by issues such as malfunctioning thrusters and leaking helium.
These problems forced the astronauts to stay on the ISS while NASA.
Boeing investigate the spacecraft’s performance.
The mysterious pulsing sound
Recently, Wilmore reported hearing an unusual ‘pulsing’ sound while the Starliner was docked at the ISS.
This revelation added to the spacecraft’s troubled history. It raised concerns among both astronauts and mission control.
Wilmore reached out to Houston’s Johnson Space Center, noting: “I’ve got a question about Starliner. Additionally, there’s a strange noise coming through the speaker, and I didn’t know if you can connect into the Starliner… I don’t know what’s making it.t
He recorded the sound and sent it to mission control, who confirmed the presence of a pulsing noise.
NASA’s explanation
NASA has now clarified that the mysterious noise was not a serious issue.
According to a statement from the agency: “The feedback from the speaker was the result of an audio configuration between the space station and the Starliner. The space station audio system is complex, allowing multiple spacecraft and modules to be interconnected, and it is common to experience noise and feedback.”
NASA reassured that this audio feedback does not impact the crew, the Starliner, or the station’s operations.
Future plans and extended mission
As for Wilmore and Williams, their return has been delayed.
NASA has confirmed that the astronauts will return to Earth via SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. While, this mission is scheduled for February 2025, rather than using the Starliner.
This extended stay on the ISS means a longer-than-expected wait for the astronauts.
While, their planned eight-day mission has turned into a much longer adventure in space.