Stranded Astronauts Confident in Boeing's Starliner Amid Technical Glitches

Two astronauts, including Sunita Williams, remain confident in Boeing's Starliner capsule despite prolonged mission due to technical failures. The spacecraft faced helium leaks and thruster malfunctions. Ground tests are ongoing, aiming for their return by end of July, before a new SpaceX mission commences.

Two astronauts who should have been back on Earth weeks ago expressed confidence Wednesday in Boeing's space capsule to return them safely, despite ongoing technical issues.

NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Indian-origin Sunita Williams, launched aboard Boeing's new Starliner capsule early last month, the first people to ride it. Helium leaks and thruster failures almost derailed their arrival at the International Space Station, extending their stay.

Officials aim to bring them back by the end of July. Meanwhile, NASA and Boeing are conducting ground tests to duplicate the thruster problems. Hurricane Beryl also slowed some of the work at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

(With inputs from agencies.)