Chinese Astronauts Stranded in Space Following Capsule Mishap

Three Chinese astronauts, Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, are currently stranded aboard China's Tiangong space station after their return capsule was used by the previous crew of the Shenzhou-20 mission. The Shenzhou-20 crew, consisting of Wang Jie, Chen Zhongrui, and Chen Dong, was originally scheduled to return to Earth on November 5. However, their capsule sustained damage from suspected space debris, which resulted in a delay of their return by nine days. The Shenzhou-20 crew ultimately returned on November 14 using the Shenzhou-21 capsule, leaving the new crew without a means to return home.

Live ScienceWIONNewsweekFuturism

The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was found to have cracks in its viewing port, rendering it unsafe for the astronauts' return. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) decided to utilize the Shenzhou-21 capsule for the Shenzhou-20 crew's return, which has now left the Shenzhou-21 crew without a dedicated return vehicle. The CMSA has announced plans to launch a replacement capsule, Shenzhou-22, on November 24, but no official confirmation has been provided regarding the exact timing.

FuturismLive ScienceNewsweekWION

The situation has raised significant safety concerns among experts. Victoria Samson, chief director of space security and stability at the Secure World Foundation, expressed her disquiet over the Shenzhou-21 crew's lack of a return vehicle, emphasizing the risks posed by space debris. The absence of a spacecraft for emergency evacuation could jeopardize the crew's safety if another incident occurs.

Futurism

The CMSA stated that the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft does not meet the requirements for a safe return and will remain in orbit for ongoing experiments. They have indicated that the Shenzhou-22 mission will be launched "at an appropriate time in the future," although the exact date remains unspecified.

NewsweekFuturismLive ScienceWION

Critics have pointed out potential flaws in China's space protocols, suggesting that the decision to return the Shenzhou-20 crew before ensuring a safe return option for the Shenzhou-21 crew could have been a miscalculation. This incident has drawn parallels to previous situations involving astronauts stranded on the International Space Station, where safety measures were more robust.

FuturismNewsweekLive ScienceWION

The CMSA is expected to launch the Shenzhou-22 capsule to the Tiangong space station, but the timeline for this mission remains uncertain. The Shenzhou-21 crew is anticipated to complete their six-month mission as planned, but their safety continues to be a concern until a reliable return option is secured.

FuturismLive ScienceNewsweekWION

• “The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft is out of commission as it “does not meet the requirements for the astronauts’ safe return,” per a statement by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).” — China Manned Space Agency (CMSA)

Futurism