Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams left Earth on June 5 after years of delays and technical problems with the Starliner spacecraft. They had twice previously had to abort a launch after they were in place and strapped into the capsule.
After a one-day journey through space, they arrived at the International Space Station (ISS), where they were scheduled to spend a week. That week has now turned into just over a month, and it's not yet clear when they'll be able to return home.
The delay is due, among other things, to problems with the steering motors and helium leaks that were discovered during its exit into space.
In a press conference he attended live from the International Space Station, Wilmore and Williams were asked if they still had confidence in the Starliner team and the spacecraft.
“We are absolutely convinced,” was the blunt answer from Wilmore, who is leading the mission.
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“I have a good feeling in my heart that the spacecraft will get us home without any problems,” Williams added.
She says the two continue to enjoy their time on the International Space Station, doing tasks like changing the pump in a machine that turns urine into drinkable water, while also conducting science experiments.
Astronauts also tested using Starliner as an “emergency port” in case problems arise on the space station.
There are currently four Americans and three Russians aboard the International Space Station, in addition to the two stranded Starliner astronauts.
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