Delayed Return of Chinese Astronauts Due to Space Debris Collision
The return of three Chinese astronauts from the Shenzhou-20 mission has been postponed following an unexpected collision with space debris during re-entry.
According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the crewed spacecraft encountered a small object in orbit, which caused delays in their descent.
Investigations are underway to assess damage and ensure safety measures.
The original plan was for the spacecraft to land on November 5 at the Dungfeng landing site in northern Inner Mongolia, but this date has now been moved due to the incident.
Last week, debris believed to be from the Chinese Long March rocket launched at the end of September was found near Newman in Western Australia.
This incident highlights the growing issue of space debris in Earth’s orbit and underscores the importance of safety protocols for future space missions and potential colonization efforts.