NASA has resolved the thriller surrounding a peculiar noise heard from the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, used for a crewed mission that launched on June 5, 2024. The noise, described as a “pulsing” sound akin to a sonar ping, was attributed to suggestions from a speaker throughout the spacecraft. According to NASA, the sound resulted from an audio configuration concern between the Starliner and the International Space Station (ISS). The area company has assured that this suggestions poses no threat to the spacecraft’s mission.
Details of the Incident
The noise concern gained consideration when astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore, aboard the Starliner, reported listening to the weird sound throughout a communication with mission management. The scenario was taken significantly, and NASA promptly investigated. In a statement, the company clarified that the speaker suggestions was frequent and had no technical impression on the spacecraft or the continued mission.
Former astronaut Chris Hadfield commented on the scenario on X (previously Twitter), expressing that such noises are amongst these he would favor to keep away from whereas in area. Despite the issues, the suggestions has ceased, and NASA confirmed that the spacecraft’s autonomous return to Earth stays on schedule.
Return and Mission Status
The Starliner mission, which initially aimed to final about ten days, confronted delays attributable to thruster system points. As a outcome, NASA determined that astronauts Wilmore and Sunita Williams would return to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025 relatively than the Starliner.
The Boeing Starliner is ready to undock from the ISS no sooner than 6:04 p.m. EDT on September 6, 2024 (3:34 a.m. IST). The uncrewed capsule is predicted to land at White Sands Space Harbour in New Mexico, marking the tip of its troubled mission.
