Starliner Noise Solved: NASA Identifies Source as Audio Feedback

After days of speculation, NASA has solved the mystery of the "strange noise" heard by an astronaut aboard the troubled Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The pulsating sound, initially reported to Mission Control, has been determined to be the result of an audio configuration issue between the International Space Station and Starliner.

The pulsating sound, first reported by astronaut Butch Wilmore on Saturday, had baffled NASA engineers. Wilmore, who is currently aboard the International Space Station with fellow astronaut Suni Williams, described the noise as coming from a speaker inside Starliner.

Starliner Noise Solved: NASA Identifies Source as Audio Feedback

NASA immediately launched an investigation to determine the source of the noise, which occurred just days before Starliner was scheduled to undock from the space station and return to Earth on autopilot.

On Monday, NASA announced that the noise had ceased and that it had identified the feedback as the result of an audio configuration issue. "The space station audio system is complex, allowing multiple spacecraft and modules to be interconnected, and it is common to experience noise and feedback," NASA said in a statement.

Starliner Noise Solved: NASA Identifies Source as Audio Feedback

The agency emphasized that the speaker feedback had no technical impact on the crew, Starliner, or space station operations, including Starliner's uncrewed undocking from the station, which is currently scheduled for Friday, September 6.

The solution to the noise issue comes as a relief to NASA and Boeing, who have been working to resolve a series of problems with Starliner. The spacecraft has been plagued by thruster failures and helium leaks, prompting NASA to decide that it was too risky to bring Wilmore and Williams back to Earth aboard Starliner.

Starliner Noise Solved: NASA Identifies Source as Audio Feedback

Instead, the astronauts will remain in space until February and are expected to return in a SpaceX capsule. Boeing had hoped that Starliner's first crew trip would revive the troubled spacecraft program, which has been delayed by years and plagued by ballooning costs.

NASA plans to send two astronauts instead of three to the International Space Station so that Wilmore and Williams can return. The change aims to ensure the safe return of the seasoned pilots while addressing the challenges faced by Starliner.

Starliner Noise Solved: NASA Identifies Source as Audio Feedback

Despite the challenges, NASA remains committed to the commercial crew program, which aims to rely on private companies like Boeing and SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the space station. Starliner is one of two spacecraft developed under this program, and its eventual success is crucial for NASA's long-term plans for space exploration.

The resolution of the "strange noise" issue is a step forward for Starliner, but Boeing still faces the task of addressing the underlying problems that have plagued the spacecraft. The company will likely conduct further tests and analysis to ensure Starliner's safety before attempting another crew mission.