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Shenzhou-21 Astronauts Stranded Amid Space Debris Crisis

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Three astronauts from the Shenzhou-21 mission are stranded on China's Tiangong station after debris damaged Shenzhou-20.
The Shenzhou-20 crew returned via Shenzhou-21 shuttle, leaving the Shenzhou-21 crew without a return vehicle.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) says the Shenzhou-20 capsule will stay docked for experiments, but shelter-in-place remains uncertain.
Shenzhou-22 is planned but has no launch date, and experts warn the situation highlights space-debris dangers.

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Story summary

Three astronauts from the Shenzhou-21 mission are stranded on China's Tiangong station after debris damaged Shenzhou-20.
The Shenzhou-20 crew returned via Shenzhou-21 shuttle, leaving the Shenzhou-21 crew without a return vehicle.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) says the Shenzhou-20 capsule will stay docked for experiments, but shelter-in-place remains uncertain.
Shenzhou-22 is planned but has no launch date, and experts warn the situation highlights space-debris dangers.