Boeing’s Starliner emits repeating ‘pulsing’ sound

US astronaut Barry Wilmore reached out to NASA ground crew seeking assistance with a persistent knocking sound emanating from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The intriguing dialogue was captured by a member of the NASA Space Flight forum and shared in a post discovered by Ars Technica.

The Mysterious Noise in Space

During the interaction, Wilmore requested the Houston-based NASA team to set up a call so he could demonstrate the source of the noise, which he pinpointed to the speaker inside the Starliner. The recording captured a repetitive clanging sound with hints of suspense reminiscent of “something-on-the-wing” vibes. Described as resembling an “almost like a sonar ping” by a crew member.

The enigmatic sound may have a mundane explanation, with speculation likening it to a specific type of feedback loop. Despite its resemblance to an unsettling theme from Resident Evil 4, neither Wilmore nor the ground team member seemed overly alarmed.

What Lies Ahead for Boeing’s Starliner

Boeing’s Starliner is set to undock on September 6th for an automated return to Earth without its intended passengers, Wilmore and astronaut Sunita Williams, who will remain on the ISS until the following year.

In conclusion, the peculiar knocking sound aboard the Starliner adds an element of mystery to an otherwise routine mission. While the cause remains elusive, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of space exploration.

FAQs

Q: Will the knocking sound impact the safety of the spacecraft?

A: There is currently no indication that the sound poses any safety risks to the Starliner or its crew.

Q: How common are such incidents in space missions?

A: While uncommon, unusual sounds or anomalies have been reported in various space missions over the years.

Credit: www.theverge.com