Shenzhou-20 crew returns to Earth after nine-day delay caused by space debris impact that cracked their capsule window, highlighting orbital debris risks.
BEIJING: Three Chinese astronauts have begun their return to Earth after their original spacecraft was damaged by space debris.
The Shenzhou-20 crew will land at China’s Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia on Friday afternoon.
Their return was delayed by nine days after space debris caused “tiny cracks” in the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft’s return capsule window.
China Manned Space Agency stated the damaged capsule “does not meet the safety requirements for a crewed return.”
ALSO READ: China to send youngest astronaut and mice on space mission
The astronauts had completed their six-month mission aboard China’s Tiangong space station when the damage was discovered.
They have now boarded the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft for their journey home.
The mission had proceeded smoothly until the “suspected impact from tiny space debris” forced postponement of the November 5 return.
This marks the first known debris disruption for China’s Shenzhou programme.
Space debris expert Igor Marinin noted “the likelihood of damage to spacecraft and space stations of all countries has risen significantly.”
The incident highlights growing concerns about orbital debris threatening space exploration.
Previous missions to the International Space Station have also encountered space debris issues.
Breakups of old satellites and anti-satellite tests create debris swarms that remain in orbit for years.
Last year, the breakup of an old Russian satellite forced ISS astronauts to prepare for evacuation.
The threat has prompted calls for US-China collaboration on space debris mitigation.
US law largely prohibits NASA from working with China’s space programme despite safety coordination needs.
NASA experienced its own astronaut stranding when Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft had propulsion issues last year.
The damaged Shenzhou-20 vessel will remain in orbit to conduct experiments.
China must now address how to evacuate newly arrived crews during emergencies. – Reuters
