China Delays Shenzhou-20 Return After Possible Space Debris Impact

China’s Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft has postponed its scheduled return to Earth after potentially being struck by small fragments of space debris, the country’s human spaceflight agency confirmed. The delay is an unusual occurrence that could affect operations aboard the Tiangong space station.

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) stated that an impact assessment and risk analysis are underway, but it did not provide a revised timeline for the return mission, originally planned for northern China on Wednesday.

Space debris, or “space junk,” comprises discarded rockets, satellite fragments, and other remnants orbiting Earth. These objects pose growing risks to crewed missions and active space stations worldwide. The Shenzhou program routinely rotates crews for six-month missions at Tiangong, where astronauts conduct scientific research and maintenance, including repairs related to debris damage.

While weather delayed the Shenzhou-19 return in April, this is the first time a Shenzhou mission has been affected by potential space debris. CMSA has not specified whether Shenzhou-20 was hit in orbit or while docked at Tiangong. During the current handover period between Shenzhou-20 and the newly arrived Shenzhou-21, both crews remain aboard the station.

If Shenzhou-20 cannot be safely repaired, Shenzhou-21 may transport its crew back to Earth. In extreme cases, a backup Shenzhou spacecraft and Long March-2F rocket, kept on standby at China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, could be launched to ensure crew safety. Past incidents, such as NASA’s Boeing Starliner delay, show that technical problems can extend astronauts’ stays in orbit for months.

The situation highlights the growing global concern over space debris. Chinese authorities have urged international cooperation to manage space traffic and track orbital objects. Last year, President Xi Jinping called for the establishment of a “space debris observation centre” in collaboration with Arab nations. The United Nations has also advocated for a shared database and framework to prevent collisions.

China and the United States have long exchanged criticisms over debris-generating activities, including anti-satellite missile tests and emergency avoidance maneuvers by the Tiangong station. China is investing in mitigation technologies, such as deorbiting sails, which help satellites safely re-enter Earth’s atmosphere without creating additional debris.

As Shenzhou-20 awaits a safe return, the incident underscores the increasing challenges of space travel amid a rapidly congested orbital environment.