Story perspectives

Unexplained Knocking Sounds Haunt Chinese Space Missions

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei reported unexplained knocking sounds aboard Shenzhou 5 in 2003, occurring in space where sound should not travel.
The phenomenon also appeared in subsequent missions in 2005 and 2008, with no physical causes identified.
Theories such as micrometeoroid impacts and auditory hallucinations have been proposed but remain unsubstantiated.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has not changed mission protocols or capsule designs in response to these incidents.

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Story summary

Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei reported unexplained knocking sounds aboard Shenzhou 5 in 2003, occurring in space where sound should not travel.
The phenomenon also appeared in subsequent missions in 2005 and 2008, with no physical causes identified.
Theories such as micrometeoroid impacts and auditory hallucinations have been proposed but remain unsubstantiated.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has not changed mission protocols or capsule designs in response to these incidents.