Now NASA's Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are plagued by mysterious 'haunting' noises |

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have recently encountered an unexpected and eerie phenomenon on board the International Space Station (ISS). On August 1, 2024, while stationed on the ISS, they reported mysterious, haunting sounds from the Boeing Starliner Spacecraft. Docked to the ISS since early June 2024, this spacecraft was originally launched on its first-ever manned mission with Williams and Wilmore on board. The mission, already plagued with technical problems, took a strange turn when these unexplained noises began to be heard.

Watch the video here:

The sounds were first noticed by Wilmore, who described them as repeating, pulsating noises reminiscent of submarine sonar or knocking from outside the spacecraft. During a recorded conversation with NASA mission control in Houston, Wilmore held a microphone to the Starliner's internal speaker so that ground control could hear the bizarre sound. Mission control confirmed the sound, describing it as “a sort of pulsating sound, almost like a sonar ping.” The origin of these sounds remains a mystery, puzzling both the crew and NASA engineers.
The origin of these sounds remains a mystery. NASA engineers have been unable to determine the source, and the noises have continued to confuse both the crew and ground control. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the Starliner, which is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program designed to provide safe and cost-effective transportation to and from the ISS.

Sunita Williams, who was stranded on the ISS with Wilmore due to technical problems with the Starliner, has also expressed her concern about the strange noises. The astronauts have been in constant contact with NASA mission control, providing updates and asking for guidance on how to resolve the issue. Despite the disturbing nature of the noises, the crew has continued to carry out their duties on board the ISS and remain focused on scientific research and daily operations.
The decision to return Wilmore and Williams to Earth has been postponed until February 2025. NASA has decided to SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for its return, amid ongoing challenges facing Boeing's space program. The Starliner, meanwhile, is scheduled to return to Earth without a crew, giving NASA the opportunity to conduct further investigations into the spacecraft's performance and the source of the mysterious noises
The Starliner spacecraft is scheduled to undock from the ISS on September 6, 2024, and return to Earth uncrewed. This decision was made after months of data analysis and internal deliberations by NASA leadership. The spacecraft's uncrewed return is a significant step because it will allow NASA and Boeing to focus on resolving the technical issues that have plagued the mission. In the meantime, Williams and Wilmore will remain on the ISS, continuing their work and awaiting their return to Earth in February 2025.
The haunting sounds reported by Williams and Wilmore have captured the attention of both the public and the scientific community. The mystery surrounding these sounds has led to various speculations, but no definitive explanation has been found. The incident has added a new dimension to the challenges faced by astronauts in space, highlighting the unpredictable nature of space missions and the resilience required to overcome such obstacles.
As the Starliner mission continues to move forward, NASA and Boeing are working tirelessly to resolve the technical issues and ensure the safety and success of future missions. Williams and Wilmore's experiences are an uncomfortable reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in space exploration. Their ability to remain focused and professional in the face of these challenges is due solely to their training and dedication as astronauts. The haunting sounds may remain a mystery, but the crew's determination and resilience are clearly evident as they continue their mission aboard the ISS.