Boeing's Starliner is now making 'strange' noises, social media reacts
What's the story
A crew member on board Boeing's Starliner recently reported hearing unusual sonar-like sounds.
These sounds, which were only audible through a speaker within the spacecraft, resembled submarine sonar or tapping from outside the spaceship.
The exact source of these noises remains undetermined, sparking widespread speculation and interest on social media platforms.
Scenario
Take a look at the complete incident
US astronaut Barry Wilmore contacted NASA's ground crew on Saturday to report a repetitive knocking sound from Starliner.
A NASA Space Flight forum member captured the exchange and shared a recording in a post.
In the recording, Wilmore requests that the NASA team in Houston adjust their call settings so he can demonstrate the noise, which he identifies as coming from a speaker inside the Starliner.
A repetitive clanging noise follows, which the ground crew likens to a "sonar ping."
Information
The origin of the sound remains unclear
While the origin of the sound remains unclear, it could have a simple explanation, such as a specific type of feedback loop, as suggested by a Reddit user. Both Wilmore and the NASA crew member appeared largely unconcerned by the noise.
Public response
Social media reacts to Starliner's mysterious sounds
The recording of the mysterious sound was shared on social media, eliciting a range of responses from users.
Some humorously suggested that Boeing might be using supernatural power for the Starliner, joking about trapped whistleblower souls within the spacecraft.
Others drew parallels with popular science fiction films like Alien and Star Trek.
However, not all reactions leaned toward the supernatural or fantastical.
Twitter Post
'Aliens have finally made contact'
The Aliens have finally made contact.
β Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) September 1, 2024
Twitter Post
'Something deep in space has sent out a signal'
Something is trying to make contact. or something is trying to communicate something else. Something deep in space has sent out a signal.
β Shadows (@Shadows653) September 1, 2024
Technical theories
Possible technical explanations for the strange noises
Several technical explanations were proposed for the strange noises.
One theory suggested that electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radiofrequency interference (RFI) from other systems on board the International Space Station (ISS) or Starliner itself could be responsible.
Another possibility was an audio system feedback loop due to issues with the speaker and microphone setup, or problems within the communication loop.
Twitter Post
Listen in: Conversation between Willmore and NASA crew
Starliner crew reports hearing strange "sonar like noises" emanating from their craft. This is the real audio of it: pic.twitter.com/xzHTMvB7uq
β SpaceBasedFox πππππππππππ.πππ (@SpaceBasedFox) September 1, 2024
Mission challenges
Starliner's troubled journey and future implications
The Starliner, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, experienced several mechanical issues during its latest mission to the ISS.
The journey was intended to last eight days. However, multiple engine failures and helium leaks resulted in two astronauts being stranded on the ISS.
Starliner is now scheduled for autonomous return on Friday.
Wilmore along with Sunita Williams will come back next February aboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is set to launch with just two astronauts later this month.