Chinese Astronauts Stranded in Space After Capsule Hit by Debris
The Shenzhou-20 mission, carrying astronauts Wang Jie, Chen Zhongrui, and Chen Dong, has been delayed due to a suspected impact from orbital debris on their return capsule. The crew, who arrived at the Tiangong space station in April, were scheduled to return on November 5th but their departure has been postponed. Impact assessment and risk evaluations are underway while the Shenzhou-20 crew and their replacement team currently remain at the orbiting outpost. If the spacecraft proves irreparable, backup plans include utilizing the Shenzhou-21 craft for the crew’s return. This incident highlights the growing danger of space debris and the need for international action to manage and track it.
John Q. Hosedrinker