A suspected collision with space debris has forced a postponement of the planned return of the Shenzhou 20 astronauts from China’s Tiangong space station, extending their time in orbit. This incident highlights a growing concern within the space industry: the increasing risk posed by orbital debris.
The Incident and Current Situation
The Shenzhou 20 mission, comprised of astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, was initially scheduled to return to Earth on November 5. However, a suspected impact from a small piece of space debris has prompted China’s Manned Spaceflight Agency (CMSA) to delay the departure and initiate a comprehensive analysis of the spacecraft. The Shenzhou 20 crew has been in orbit since April 24, and this delay means they will remain aboard Tiangong alongside the incoming Shenzhou 21 crew.
Crew Rotation and Dual Occupancy
The Shenzhou 21 mission, consisting of astronauts Zhang Lu, Liu Guangming and Hao Xinshen, launched to Tiangong on October 31, beginning their six-month stay at the station. The delay means both crews will remain on Tiangong as engineers assess the potential damage to the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft. A formal change-of-command ceremony, recently completed, saw Chen Dong passing the keys to Tiangong to Zhang Lu.
Shenzhou 20: A Busy Six Months in Orbit
The Shenzhou 20 mission has been a productive one for China’s space program. During their time aboard Tiangong, the crew completed four spacewalks, including the installation of debris shields and other external equipment – a preventative measure that appears to be relevant to the current situation. Beyond the operational tasks, the astronauts also shared a celebratory meal marking the Mid-Autumn Festival, demonstrating the importance of maintaining morale during long-duration space missions.
Background: China’s Tiangong Program
This is Dong’s third trip to space, while Zhongrui and Jie experienced spaceflight for the first time with this mission. The Shenzhou 20 mission represents the ninth crewed mission to Tiangong, China’s space station. Construction began in April 2021 with the launch of the Tianhe core module, signifying a significant milestone in China’s ambition to establish a permanent presence in orbit.
What Happens Next?
Once the impact analysis is complete, a new departure date for the Shenzhou 20 crew will be determined. Upon their return, the spacecraft will descend to Earth, landing under a system of parachutes at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the accumulating threat posed by space debris, which poses a growing risk to operational spacecraft and the long-term sustainability of human space activities.
