IN NEWS

China’s Shenzhou-20 Astronauts to Return to Earth After Delay Due to Orbital Debris

ANALYSIS

1. Context

• The Shenzhou-20 crewed mission to China’s Tiangong Space Station was scheduled to return on 5 November 2025.
• The return was delayed after orbital debris struck the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, causing minor damage.

2. Key Developments

1. Return Shifted to Shenzhou-21 Spacecraft
   • Instead of returning on Shenzhou-20, astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie will return aboard Shenzhou-21.
   • Shenzhou-21 undocked from Tiangong at 11:14 a.m. (0314 GMT), November 14, 2025.
2. Condition of Astronauts
   • CMSA confirmed all three astronauts are in good health.
   • Preparations underway at Dongfeng landing site, Inner Mongolia.
3. Damage to Shenzhou-20
   • The spacecraft’s window glass developed a minor crack, attributed to the debris strike.
   • Shenzhou-20 will remain in orbit for further experiments.
4. Future Missions
   • CMSA stated Shenzhou-22 will be launched later; no date provided.

3. Significance

• Highlights the growing threat of orbital debris, now affecting operational spacecraft.
• Demonstrates CMSA’s crew safety protocols, including switching return vehicles.
• Reinforces China’s capability in sustaining six-month astronaut rotations on Tiangong.

4. Issues / Challenges

• Orbital debris management remains a critical global issue, with increasing risk to space assets.
• Delays can disrupt China’s crew rotation schedule and planned experiments.
• The need for improved space situational awareness (SSA) and protective systems.

5. China’s Broader Space Ambitions

(as mentioned within input only)

• Plans a crewed lunar mission by 2030.
• Aims to build a lunar base thereafter.
• Tiangong remains China’s flagship human-spaceflight platform.

STATIC PART

Tiangong Space Station

• China’s modular, permanently crewed space station.
• Operated by teams of 3 astronauts rotated every six months.

China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)

• National agency responsible for planning and executing China’s human spaceflight missions.

Shenzhou Programme

• Human-rated spacecraft series for ferrying astronauts to and from Tiangong.

Updated – 14 November 2025 ; 12:29 PM | News Source: The Hindu