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4h ago

China Delays Shenzhou-20 Crew Return After Suspected Space Debris Hit

Officials are conducting impact and risk analyses before setting a new landing date.

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China was forced to postpone the return of three astronauts from its Tiangong space station following a suspected collision with space debris.
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A Long March-2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft takes off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

Overview

  • Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie remained at Tiangong after a planned Nov. 5 landing, having already handed over operations to the incoming Shenzhou-21 crew.
  • China’s human spaceflight office has not disclosed where the suspected strike occurred, the extent of any damage, or the data that indicated an impact.
  • Assessments include telemetry and leak checks, with possible close-up imaging via Tiangong’s robotic arm and a potential EVA to inspect the return vehicle.
  • Contingency options include using the docked Shenzhou-21 for the trip home or readying a backup Shenzhou and Long March 2F for launch in roughly eight and a half days.
  • This marks the first Shenzhou return delayed due to debris concerns, underscoring the growing hazard from small, often untracked fragments that can jeopardize heat shields or parachute systems.