Experts Urge a Dedicated Space-Rescue Service After Two Crew Strandings This Year

Experts Call for a Standalone Space-Rescue Organization

Space experts are urging the creation of a dedicated space-rescue body to speed the recovery of astronauts left stranded in orbit. The call follows two high-profile incidents this year: several Chinese crew members remained aboard the Tiangong space station after a debris impact damaged their return vehicle, and a separate case saw U.S. crew members remain on the International Space Station for more than six months when their return capsule was declared unfit late last year.

Jan Osburg, a senior engineer at the RAND Corporation who spoke in a personal capacity, said the incidents should be a "massive wake-up call" that a formal rescue capability is needed. He noted both recent cases involved space stations, which can act as temporary safe havens while a rescue is arranged, but warned many upcoming commercial "free-flyer" missions do not have that option and would require much faster responses due to limited onboard supplies.

"Both incidents have occurred during missions to a space station, where the station can act as a safe haven until a rescue plan can be put in place. But especially on the commercial side, there are 'free-flyer' missions where docking with a station is typically not an option, and rescue has to happen quickly due to limited on-board supplies in those capsules." — Jan Osburg (speaking in a personal capacity)

The proposed organization would primarily act as a coordinating and standards-setting body rather than carrying out rescues itself. Its role could include developing rapid-response procedures, coordinating multinational contingency plans and promoting technical interoperability so spacecraft from different nations or companies can dock with or communicate directly with one another during emergencies.

Key proposals

• Establish rapid-response protocols and clear recovery timelines for stranded crews.
• Promote hardware and software interoperability (docking interfaces, communications) across providers and nations.
• Improve transparent, timely communication among operators to ensure early warnings and coordinated action.

Darren McKnight, an orbital debris specialist and senior technical fellow at LeoLabs, emphasized that better communication across the increasingly crowded orbital environment is essential. "We are all now citizens of the space environment, and lack of communication about events such as this hurts everyone," he said, criticizing how some programs can be secretive. McKnight warned that small warning signs could foreshadow larger problems — invoking the Kessler Syndrome, a scenario in which cascading collisions dramatically increase debris and risk to spacecraft.

As launch rates accelerate and more commercial missions operate outside the protection of space stations, experts say a centralized framework for rescue procedures and interoperability standards would reduce response times and save lives.

Image caption: The three Taikonauts of the Shenzhou-20 mission remain aboard Tiangong following a recent debris strike on their return vehicle. (China Manned Space Agency)