Chinese Crew Returns Safely After Delay Caused by Suspected Space‑Debris Damage

Chinese astronauts return after week-long delay

BEIJING (AP) — Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Friday after a delay of more than a week when their originally planned return capsule was found to have sustained damage likely caused by orbital debris.

China’s Manned Space Agency said the crew left the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft in orbit and instead re-entered aboard the newly arrived Shenzhou-21 capsule, which had brought a three-person replacement team to the country's space station. Agency officials said tiny cracks were discovered in a window of Shenzhou-20, most likely the result of an impact from space debris, prompting the decision to abandon the original return plan.

The three astronauts had been serving a six-month rotation and were originally scheduled to come home in November. After the swap to Shenzhou-21, the crew completed their descent and landed back on Earth. Authorities emphasized that safety protocols guided the change in plans.

Context and implications

Orbital debris — ranging from tiny paint flecks to defunct satellites — poses a growing hazard to spacecraft and crewed missions. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about space traffic and the importance of damage inspections before re-entry.

China’s Manned Space Agency: "We carefully evaluated the condition of Shenzhou-20 and, prioritizing crew safety, made the decision to use Shenzhou-21 for the return."

All facts in this report are based on statements from China’s Manned Space Agency and associated reporting.