STRANDED ASTRONAUTS FACING GRIM FUTURE

Slim chances for a safe landing

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IF THE two NASA astronauts stranded in space try to return to Earth in the faulty Boeing Starliner spaceship, they could end up vaporized or floating helplessly in space until they die of starvation or lack of oxygen, warn experts.

Rocketeers Sunita Williams, 58, and Butch Wilmore, 61, were supposed to visit the International Space Station for just eight days after their Boeing Starliner rocket docked on June 5.

But defects with the Starliner’s thrusters have marooned them at least until September or — worst case scenario — next February, says NASA.