Three Chinese Astronauts Are Stranded In Space – Here’s What We Know
Three astronauts from China’s Shenzhou-20 mission are prolonging their stay aboard the Tiangong space station. There are concerns that their return module was struck by space debris, and engineers on Earth are evaluating the damage and determining the best course for ensuring the crew’s safe return.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has verified that all astronauts are safe and have not sustained any injuries. They have also indicated that this incident does not pose an immediate risk to the Tiangong space station, yet it underscores the dangers of space travel and the intricacies of manned orbital missions. Numerous factors can go awry, despite thorough preparations, and ground control has its limitations in assisting astronauts efficiently. What initially began as a standard crew change between two missions has evolved into a closely monitored situation, presenting China with an opportunity to demonstrate its emergency management capabilities high above Earth.
What caused the astronauts to be stranded?
The three astronauts from the Shenzhou-20 mission were scheduled to return to Earth on November 5, 2025. Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie have been aboard the Tiangong space station for the last six months, but their return was delayed after the CMSA expressed concerns that the Shenzhou-20 capsule collided with minor space debris. The incident may have occurred while the capsule was docked at the station, although the agency has not provided specific details.
In a succinct announcement, CMSA confirmed that the crew is safe aboard the Tiangong while ground control conducts a risk and impact evaluation prior to authorizing the capsule’s re-entry. However, the CMSA has not released details regarding the damage or any potential repair strategy. Meanwhile, the Chinese space station will need to accommodate six astronauts. Crews from both Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 will be present while the world anticipates a resolution to the issue.
Shenzhou-20 was launched on April 24, 2025, and successfully docked with the Tiangong core module for standard operations and scientific experiments. The suspected impact has affected only the return module, not the station itself. The Tiangong space station’s core module remains fully functional and capable of supporting both crews. The incident involving Shenzhou-20 emphasizes the increasing hazards posed by space debris to objects in low Earth orbit. Much of this debris is composed of fragments from outdated satellites, rockets, and other remnants from earlier missions, leftovers from decades of human activities in orbit that now endanger future space endeavors.
What are the next steps for the stranded Chinese astronauts?
Engineers from CMSA have initiated the impact analysis. Experts typically undertake remote sensor assessments, visual inspections via onboard cameras, and telemetry evaluations of the capsule’s pressure, thermal, and avionic systems. The subsequent step involves delivering a risk assessment for re-entry, as heat impact could compromise the module’s structural integrity. If the data reveals no critical issues, mission control may authorize the descent of the Shenzhou-20 capsule. Otherwise, the CMSA will need to devise alternative solutions.
Currently, there is no established timeline for re-entry. Nevertheless, the CMSA is exploring all potential solutions, including the possibility of returning the crew with the Shenzhou-21 (which ferried the latest crew to the station) or even extending their stay on Tiangong until Shenzhou-22 is prepared for launch. However, these alternatives remain theoretical until the CMSA confirms that their analysis is complete.
A recent NASA case provides a relevant precedent. Two NASA astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, were compelled to stay on the ISS when Boeing’s Starliner malfunctioned. NASA’s response was to dispatch a new vehicle, the SpaceX Dragon, to bring the crew back to Earth. NASA opted for the path prioritizing crew safety, even though it extended Wilmore and Williams’ intended 8-day space stay to 9 months. It appears that the CMSA is currently taking a similar approach.
At this point, available information is restricted to agency press releases and reports. CMSA’s next public update will clarify whether Shenzhou-20 will be permitted to re-enter or if the crew necessitates a return in a different capsule.
Read More
