Despite problems, Boeing Starliner crew confident spacecraft will bring them safely back to Earth

The crew of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft said Wednesday they’re confident the capsule will carry them safely back to Earth at the end of their extended stay aboard the International Space Station, despite helium leaks in the ship’s propulsion system and trouble with maneuvering thrusters. Launched June 5, commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and co-pilot Sunita Williams

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Europe launches maiden flight of Ariane 6 rocket

Running years behind schedule, Europe’s new Ariane 6 rocket blasted off on its maiden flight Tuesday, thundering away from the European Space Agency’s jungle launch site in French Guiana in a bid to restore independent European access to space. Facing increasingly stiff international competition, Europe’s space agencies see the Ariane 6 as critical to re-establishing

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Despite indefinite landing delay, NASA insists Boeing Starliner crew not “stranded” in space

The return to Earth of Boeing’s Starliner capsule is on indefinite hold pending results of new thruster tests and ongoing analysis of helium leaks that cropped up during the ship’s rendezvous with the International Space Station, NASA announced Friday. But agency officials insisted Starliner commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and co-pilot Sunita Williams are not “stranded”

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