NASA explains the mysterious noise from the Boeing spacecraft

Wilmore launched on the Boeing Starliner in June with astronaut Suni Williams. The two were supposed to return to Earth in about a week, but instead have been living on the International Space Station for over two months.

The Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned during flight. Five of the 28 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters shut down. It also suffered leaks in its helium supply, which is used to pressurize its propulsion system. But the mysterious noises Wilmore heard had nothing to do with any of these problems.

On Monday, NASA revealed that the ominous noise was simply a feedback problem between the Boeing Starliner’s speakers and the ISS where it is docked.

“The space station’s audio system is complex, allowing multiple spacecraft and modules to be interconnected, and it’s common to experience noise and feedback,” NASA told X.

NASA added that the noise will not affect the crew on board.

Starliner is scheduled to return to Earth without a crew on Saturday, September 7.

NASA determined it was unsafe to transport Williams and Wilmore back to Earth.

The two astronauts are scheduled to return in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon, instead, nearly eight months after launch.