A crew of three Chinese astronauts will remain in space longer than planned due to concerns regarding potential damage to their spacecraft from space debris. The astronauts, identified as Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, were scheduled to return to Earth on March 15, 2024, after a six-month mission. Their return has been postponed as officials from the China National Space Administration (CNSA) conduct an impact analysis on the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft.
The astronauts handed over the keys to the Tiangong Space Station to a new crew shortly before the postponement. The CNSA confirmed on Wednesday that the decision to delay their return was made to prioritize the safety and health of the crew. Specific details regarding any damage to the spacecraft have not been disclosed, nor has a new return date been established.
As this situation unfolds, it follows the recent successful launch of Shenzhou-21, which transported a new batch of astronauts to the Tiangong station. Among the newest crew members is Wu Fei, reported as China’s youngest astronaut at just 32 years old. The launch was celebrated as part of China’s growing ambitions in space exploration.
During their mission, the astronauts participated in a handover ceremony, where Chen Dong symbolically transferred operational authority of the space station to the incoming crew, stating, “We are about to return to Earth, and now I am handing over the hatch key that symbolizes the right to maintain operations on this Chinese space station to you.”
The CNSA’s announcement comes at a time when China’s space program has gained international attention for its rapid advancements. Recent achievements include a record-breaking nine-hour spacewalk, surpassing previous records held by the United States. Plans are underway to welcome the first foreign astronaut, from Pakistan, to the Tiangong station next year, further showcasing China’s commitment to international cooperation in space.
Concerns about space debris are not unique to China. The United States has faced similar challenges, particularly highlighted by the prolonged mission of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, whose return was delayed for over nine months due to a malfunction with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. They eventually returned home aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule earlier this year.
As the CNSA continues its assessment of the Shenzhou-20, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the astronauts in the face of evolving challenges in the realm of space exploration.
