 The researchers say the advance should provide valuable insights into the mammoth's biology and could even help efforts to breed a mammoth-like creature. Rob Stein, NPR News. Two astronauts in orbit say they're confident they can come back to Earth safely aboard their Boeing-built spacecraft called Starliner. The two have been aboard the International Space Station since early June. When they docked the Starliner, several of its thrusters unexpectedly shut down.