Chinese Spacecraft Shenzhou-20's Return Mission Delayed After Suspected Space Debris Collision

The Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-20 is believed to have encountered a small piece of space debris, causing a delay in its scheduled return.

China's space agency announced on Wednesday that the Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft's return has been postponed following a suspected collision with orbital debris.

"The Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft is suspected of being hit by a tiny piece of space debris, and impact analysis and risk assessment procedures are currently underway," stated the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) in their official announcement.

The three astronauts—Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—were originally scheduled to return on Wednesday, landing at the Dongfeng site in northern Inner Mongolia. However, this has been delayed for safety reasons, with no new return date specified by the CMSA.

The Shenzhou-21 crew recently arrived at the Tiangong space station, intended as the relief team for the returning astronauts.

The Tiangong space station operates with rotating crews of three astronauts who serve approximately six-month missions. It represents the centerpiece of China's ambitious space program, which has received substantial investment as the country works to advance its capabilities alongside established space powers like the United States and Russia.

Chinese state media recently shared footage of both crews enjoying "barbecued" chicken wings together aboard the space station.

China's space ambitions extend beyond the Tiangong station, with plans for a crewed lunar mission before 2030 and eventual development of a permanent base on the Moon's surface.