Chinese Astronauts’ Return Delayed Amid Space Debris Concerns

China’s space program faces an unexpected setback as three astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-20 mission postpone their Earth return due to possible damage from orbiting junk. This incident highlights growing risks in space travel.

In a surprising turn for China’s ambitious space efforts, the return of three astronauts from the Tiangong space station has been put on hold. The crew, part of the Shenzhou-20 mission, was set to touch down in northern China on November 5, 2025. However, officials now suspect that their spacecraft’s return capsule was struck by tiny pieces of space debris, raising safety worries.

The astronauts—mission commander Chen Dong, along with Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie—have been orbiting Earth for about six months. They launched on April 24, 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. During their stay on the Tiangong station, the team carried out spacewalks, managed cargo shipments, and ran scientific tests to advance China’s space knowledge.

China’s Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced the delay after spotting signs of impact on the capsule. Teams on the ground are now checking the damage to make sure it won’t harm the crew during re-entry. “The health and safety of the astronauts come first,” a CMSA statement said. If the Shenzhou-20 proves unsafe, backup plans include using the recently arrived Shenzhou-21 spacecraft to bring the crew home.

This event underscores the dangers of space junk, which includes old satellite bits and rocket parts cluttering low Earth orbit. Bian Zhigang, vice administrator of China’s National Space Administration, noted, “We can see there are more risks.” He added that China is working on ways to clear debris from space actively.

The Shenzhou-20 is the 35th crewed flight in China’s program, showing steady progress since the Tiangong station’s full operation began. The relief crew from Shenzhou-21 docked last week, ensuring the station keeps running smoothly. While the delay is the first for a Shenzhou return due to debris—unlike past weather holdups—it serves as a reminder of the challenges in crowded space lanes.

Experts say such incidents could rise as more nations and companies send up satellites. For now, the astronauts remain safe and continue their work. Updates on the return timeline are expected soon as assessments wrap up.

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