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 originally expected to spend about eight days in space, putting the Starliner through its paces in the ship's first piloted test flight.

But the helium leaks and thruster issues have prompted NASA to extend their stay aboard the space station indefinitely — Wednesday marked their 35th day in orbit  — while engineers carry out tests and analysis to better understand what caused the problems and to make sure the spacecraft can safely being Wilmore and Williams home.