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China postpones astronauts’ return from space station after suspected debris strikes
Shenzhou-20 trio delayed as authorities carry out an impact analysis and risk assessment
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China has postponed the return of the Shenzhou-20 space mission following a suspected impact by small space debris, the China Manned Space Agency said on Wednesday, adding that it was carrying out an impact analysis and risk assessment.
“To ensure the safety and health of the astronauts and the success of the mission, it has been decided that the Shenzhou-20 return mission, originally scheduled for November 5, will be postponed,” according to the announcement.
The incident occurred days after the three astronauts were joined on board the Tiangong space station by their relief crew, with a handover ceremony transferring the keys to the facility taking place on Tuesday.
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There are currently two spacecraft docked at the station, with the Shenzhou-20 return vehicle believed to be affected by the space debris.
Mission Commander Chen Dong, Wang Jie and Chen Zhongrui, the Shenzhou-20 trio, have been in orbit since April and were scheduled to return to the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia in northern China on Wednesday.
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The landing site has been the scene of multiple rounds of drills preparing for their arrival, according to Xinhua. These have included systems tests for air search and rescue, ground response, communication support, and medical monitoring and aid.
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