NASA has explained the source of an unusual noise heard by astronaut Butch Wilmore aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft while docked at the International Space Station (ISS).
According to a report from phys.org, the space agency clarified that the sound was caused by audio feedback and did not pose any safety concerns.
Wilmore first reported the pulsing sound, which emanated from a speaker in the Starliner, on Saturday as he worked inside the spacecraft. NASA promptly investigated the issue and determined that it resulted from an audio configuration between the Starliner and the ISS.
NASA emphasized that the ISS audio system is intricate, allowing for interconnection between multiple spacecraft and modules. As a result, experiencing noise and feedback is not uncommon in such environments. The space agency has protocols in place for astronauts to report any unusual sounds originating from the communication system to mission control.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex nature of space operations and the importance of constant monitoring and communication between ground control and astronauts. Despite the initial concern, NASA assured that the audio feedback has no technical impact on the crew, Starliner, or station operations.
NASA stated:
The space station audio system is complex, allowing multiple spacecraft and modules to be interconnected, and it is common to experience noise and feedback.
The Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, docked with the ISS on June 6, following its launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Originally planned for an eight-day mission, the spacecraft's stay has been extended due to issues with thrusters and helium leaks in its propulsion module.
NASA has decided to return the Starliner to Earth without crew, with the departure scheduled for no earlier than Friday, September 6. This decision allows Wilmore and Williams to remain on the ISS, joining Expeditions 71 and 72, with their return planned for February aboard the SpaceX Crew-9 mission.
The space agency announced that Starliner is scheduled to land at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on September 7 at 12:03 a.m. after a six-hour return flight to Earth.
This mission marks Boeing's attempt to complete Starliner's Crew Flight Test, a crucial step in certifying the spacecraft for regular service to the ISS alongside SpaceX's Crew Dragon. Both companies were awarded contracts in 2014 as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, with Boeing receiving $4.2 billion and SpaceX $2.6 billion.
While SpaceX has successfully completed its crewed test flight and conducted eight operational missions, Starliner's certification remains pending. The original contract stipulated that the crewed test flight should include both ascent and descent with astronauts, a requirement that this mission has not fully met.
Boeing's journey to certification has been costly, with the company spending over $1.6 billion on development to date. NASA continues to emphasize the importance of having redundant services for ISS missions, as the space station is expected to remain operational until 2030.
NASA's explanation of the strange noise heard on Boeing's Starliner highlights the complexities of space operations. The incident, while initially concerning, was resolved without any impact on crew safety or mission objectives. As Starliner prepares for its uncrewed return to Earth, questions remain about its certification process and future role in NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The space agency continues to work towards ensuring reliable and redundant transportation options for astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
