Three Chinese astronauts stranded after space debris strikes their return capsule

Chinese Astronauts Stranded After Space Junk Hits Return Capsule (Image: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters)

Three Chinese astronauts are unexpectedly staying longer in orbit after their return capsule was reportedly struck by space debris. The crew, stationed at China’s Tiangong space lab since April, was preparing to return to Earth when the incident occurred.

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said the Shenzhou-20 return capsule was “suspected of being impacted by small space debris.” The announcement came on Wednesday morning through a statement on Weibo. The agency confirmed that an investigation and risk assessment are underway to determine the extent of the damage and ensure crew safety.

The three astronauts, Wang Jie, Chen Zhongrui and commander Chen Dong, were due to land on Earth on November 5. Their spacecraft, which has remained docked since April, includes three parts: a propulsion unit, a living module and a parachute-assisted return section, according to Ars Technica.

Officials have not confirmed when the crew might come home. If any part of their current craft is unsafe, it may be detached and sent back to Earth without the crew. In that case, the Shenzhou-20 astronauts could return aboard the Shenzhou-21 capsule, now docked at the Tiangong station. Reuters reported that CMSA keeps a replacement craft ready in such situations.

During this mission, Chen Dong set a new record for the longest cumulative time spent in space by a Chinese astronaut, crossing 400 days. His record will now stretch even further due to the delay. The world record for total nonconsecutive days in space is held by Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, with 1,111 days.

Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere. NASA astronaut Frank Rubio stayed 371 days in orbit after a meteoroid damaged his return craft in 2023. Earlier this year, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams spent nine months aboard the International Space Station because of faults in their Boeing Starliner capsule.

China’s Tiangong space station has also faced debris impacts before. In 2023, one of its solar panels was hit, causing a partial power loss. Since then, engineers have added extra shielding to protect vital sections.

Space junk around Earth is increasing as more satellites and spacecraft are launched. Experts warn of a potential chain reaction of collisions known as the “Kessler Syndrome”, which could make low Earth orbit unsafe for future missions.

To avoid such a crisis, both national agencies and private companies are testing ways to reduce or remove debris from orbit. For now, the Shenzhou-20 crew’s safety remains the top concern as officials assess how to bring them home.