NASA astronaut reports mysterious noise aboard Boeing’s Starliner: ‘I don’t know what’s making it’

In an unexpected development during a recent test of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore reported hearing an unexplained noise emanating from the spacecraft. The incident, which has raised concerns within the aerospace community, occurred during a routine system check on the capsule designed for ferrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).

The Starliner, which has faced a series of setbacks and delays since its inception, was undergoing its latest round of tests when Wilmore, a veteran astronaut, reported the anomaly. “I don’t know what’s making it,” Wilmore was quoted as saying during a live feed from inside the spacecraft. The noise, described by Wilmore as a “strange sound,” prompted an immediate response from both Boeing and NASA engineers, who are now working to determine its origin.

This incident comes at a critical juncture for Boeing, as the Starliner program has been under intense scrutiny following previous technical issues and delays. The spacecraft, intended as a key component of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, is designed to provide the United States with an independent means of transporting astronauts to the ISS, a capability that had been lost following the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

Despite the challenges, Boeing remains committed to resolving the issue. In a statement, the company emphasized that the safety of the crew is their top priority and that a thorough investigation is underway. NASA has also expressed confidence in Boeing’s ability to address the anomaly.

With the investigation proceeding further, the aerospace community is keeping a close eye, fully aware that any further delays or complications could have significant implications for the future of U.S. human spaceflight.