Source of this article and featured image is Wired Science. Description and key fact are generated by Codevision AI system.
Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth safely after a space debris collision damaged their return capsule, forcing them to use a backup spacecraft. The incident highlights the growing risks of space junk, which can cause critical damage to orbiting vehicles. Chinese officials confirmed the damaged Shenzhou 20 capsule’s window crack likely resulted from an external impact, delaying the crew’s original return plan. The stranded astronauts remain aboard the Tiangong station, with a new spacecraft scheduled to deliver supplies later. This event underscores the challenges of maintaining safe operations in low-Earth orbit amid increasing debris threats.
Key facts
- A space debris impact caused a minor crack in the Shenzhou 20 return capsule’s window, rendering it unsafe for a manned return.
- The stranded astronauts used the newer Shenzhou 21 spacecraft to return to Earth, leaving the damaged Shenzhou 20 in orbit.
- China’s space agency confirmed the incident marked the first alternative return procedure in its space station program history.
- The Tiangong station’s design limits crew stays to three astronauts for extended periods, complicating emergency evacuations.
- Space debris risks remain a critical concern, as even tiny fragments can cause significant damage at orbital speeds.
