Astronauts Stuck In Space Are Hearing ‘Strange Sounds’!
Imagine being stranded in space, only to hear strange, unexplainable noises coming from your spacecraft. This is exactly what happened to astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. They are currently on board the International Space Station (ISS) with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. A few days ago, the Starliner started making bizarre “pulsing” and “clanging.”
Butch and Suni went to space on June 5 and docked with the ISS on June 6. They were supposed to return in just 8 days. However, their stay was extended until 2025 following a malfunction of the Starliner. Let’s have a look at the reason behind the strange sounds that they have been hearing and NASA‘s statement.
Initial Report
The incident first came to light when astronaut Butch Wilmore reported hearing strange sounds from the Starliner to ground control. Describing the noises as both a “pulsing” and a “clanging,” Wilmore’s concerns quickly spread beyond the confines of the ISS. The recording of Wilmore’s interaction with the ground crew in Houston was posted on a NASA Space Flight forum. The audio sparked widespread interest on social media. Many were left wondering what could be causing these eerie sounds in space.
“I’ve got a question about Starliner. There’s a strange noise coming through the speaker … I don’t know what’s making it.”
Butch Wilmore said.
NASA’s Response | What Could It Be?
As speculation grew, NASA was quick to respond. In an official statement, NASA clarified that the noise was due to an audio configuration issue between the ISS and the Starliner.
“The feedback from the speaker was the result of an audio configuration between the space station and the Starliner. The speaker feedback Wilmore reported has no technical impact on the crew, Starliner, or station operations.”
NASA explained.
In other words, NASA believes there is nothing to worry about regarding these sounds. According to them, the noises pose no danger to the astronauts or the spacecraft.
An Earthside crew member also speculated that it sounded “almost like a sonar ping.”
Understanding the Boeing Starliner and Its Current Issues
The Boeing Starliner is a relatively new addition to space travel, designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. Its maiden crewed voyage took place in June when astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams boarded it for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission.
However, the mission quickly encountered problems. Even before the launch, there were known issues with helium leaks on the Starliner, but the extent of these leaks was underestimated. Once in space, the leaks became more problematic, causing the Starliner’s thrusters to malfunction. Because of these technical issues, the Starliner was deemed unsafe for a return journey to Earth.
This unexpected development left Wilmore and Williams stranded on the ISS. Their eight-day mission has now turned into an extended stay of almost eight months, as they await a safe return.
NASA’s Plan for Return and Future Missions
NASA has announced that the two astronauts will not return to Earth until February 2025. They will be brought back on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, as the Starliner is scheduled to return to Earth uncrewed on September 6. This delay means Wilmore and Williams will spend significantly more time on the ISS than initially planned.
In preparation for their extended stay and eventual return, the astronauts will undergo additional training and safety protocols. This incident has raised questions about the future of the Boeing Starliner and other crewed spaceflights. While the current situation is under control, it is likely that NASA and Boeing will conduct further investigations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Conclusion
The mysterious sounds heard by the astronauts on the ISS, the technical challenges of the Boeing Starliner, and the extended stay of Wilmore and Williams have captivated the public’s imagination. While NASA has provided a reasonable explanation for the sounds, the event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of space travel. Both NASA and Boeing are likely conducting ongoing studies to better understand the situation and ensure the safety of all future missions.
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