China Readies Rescue Mission After Suspected Space‑Debris Strike Leaves Three Astronauts on Tiangong

China preparing to return three astronauts after suspected space‑debris strike

Chinese authorities said Tuesday they are preparing to retrieve three astronauts who sheltered aboard the Tiangong space station after what officials described as a suspected strike by space debris on their return vehicle last week. The China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSE) said engineers have completed extensive checks on a backup reentry capsule that could be used to bring the crew home.

“All work is progressing steadily and orderly according to plan,” the agency said in its statement.

Tiangong, which measures roughly 180 feet across, normally hosts a three‑person crew on missions of about six months. A fresh three‑person team arrived in October to relieve the earlier crew, but because of the debris‑related emergency both teams remain aboard the station. CMSE said the arrangement, while uncommon, is within the station’s design: Tiangong can support two crews simultaneously for a limited period.

“The Shenzhou‑20 astronaut crew is working and living normally and is conducting in‑orbit scientific experiments together with the Shenzhou‑21 astronaut crew,” the agency said.

Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, described the situation as cramped but manageable. “It’s probably a bit crowded,” he said. “It’s cramped, but it’s big enough for them to float around in.”

McDowell also criticized the limited public detail about the debris event and any resulting damage to the Shenzhou‑20 return vehicle. Officials have not clarified what struck the spacecraft or how severe the damage might be. “That’s frustrating,” he said. “Is it a small hole, a big hole? Is it a pressure drop? Is it a visible scar on the spacecraft? We don’t know.”

One operational option would be to use the Shenzhou‑21 return capsule to bring the Shenzhou‑20 crew down, but that would temporarily leave the Shenzhou‑21 crew without a dedicated return vehicle. Chinese authorities appear to be preparing a replacement reentry capsule as an alternative; experts say it is unlikely they would leave anyone aboard without a clear plan to return them safely.

Space debris—fragments from defunct satellites, rocket stages and previous collisions—remains a persistent hazard in Earth orbit. Incidents like this highlight the importance of tracking and mitigating orbital debris to protect crewed missions and spacecraft.

What to watch next

• Official updates from CMSE on the condition of the Shenzhou‑20 vehicle and the timeline for any return launch.
• Whether the Shenzhou‑21 capsule will be used or a replacement capsule will be launched.
• Any international statements or tracking data that shed light on the object responsible for the suspected strike.