Chinese Space Agency Works on Safe Return of Stranded Taikonauts
Three Chinese astronauts remain stranded aboard the Tiangong space station after their scheduled return to Earth was postponed due to a suspected space debris impact. The Shenzhou-20 crew, consisting of mission commander Chen Dong and crew members Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, were supposed to return on November 5, 2025, but their departure was delayed after their spacecraft may have been damaged by orbital debris.
The China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) stated that 'work on the return of the three stranded astronauts is progressing smoothly' but provided no specific timeline or details about their return plan. The agency emphasized that 'the life and safety of the crew come first' in their official statement.
Space Debris Threatens Mission Safety
The incident highlights the growing danger of space debris in Earth's orbit. According to the ESA Space Environment Report 2025, there are over 1.2 million pieces of debris larger than 1cm orbiting Earth, with low-Earth orbit becoming critically crowded. At orbital speeds of 8 km/s, even small fragments can cause catastrophic damage to spacecraft.
Space journalist Andrew Jones, who follows Chinese space activities for Spacenews.com, commented: 'They're trying to project that they have the situation under control, that they're taking the necessary measures, that they know what they're doing - they're trying to reassure everyone.'
Contingency Plans in Place
China has multiple backup options for the stranded crew. The Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, which arrived at the station on November 4 with three additional taikonauts, could potentially be used for their return. Additionally, a backup Shenzhou-22 capsule stands ready at the Jiuquan launch complex and could be launched unmanned within 8.5 days if needed.
The Tiangong space station, China's first long-term orbital outpost, continues to operate normally despite the situation. Both crews are currently conducting scientific experiments together while engineers assess the damage to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's thermal protection system and parachute deployment mechanisms.
Broader Implications for Space Safety
This incident has reignited discussions about the urgent need for better space debris management. As Jones noted, 'There are more and more launches. Despite various measures, more and more small pieces of space debris are joining the old, sometimes decades-old, debris floating around.'
The 2025 review on space debris management emphasizes that enhanced tracking technologies and international cooperation are essential to address this escalating problem. Both the International Space Station and Tiangong have had to perform avoidance maneuvers multiple times to dodge debris.
While the astronauts are not in immediate danger, their extended stay presents logistical challenges. The station's life support systems must work harder to support six people instead of the usual three, and food supplies are being consumed at double the normal rate. However, China can send additional supplies via Tianzhou cargo spacecraft if needed.
Jones expects the astronauts to return before the end of 2025, though he declined to speculate on an exact date. The incident serves as a stark reminder that space debris represents one of the most significant challenges facing modern space exploration.