Chinese ‘Stranded’ Astronauts Prepare for Return From Tiangong Station

Three Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station are preparing for their journey home after their return capsule was likely struck by space debris, forcing an unexpected mission extension. China’s Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that the crew — Wang Jie, Chen Zhongrui and Chen Dong — remain safe, healthy and working normally while engineers test the backup spacecraft that will bring them back to Earth.

The replacement return capsule, brought by the recently arrived Shenzhou-21 crew, docked with Tiangong on November 1. CMSA officials say testing and system checks are progressing “according to plan,” though no return date for the Shenzhou-20 astronauts has been announced. Both crews are now living and working together aboard the station, which is designed to support two teams.

Tiangong, measuring 180 feet (55 meters) long and consisting of three modules, is roughly half the length and one-fifth the size of the International Space Station. Although more crowded than usual, officials say the astronauts continue carrying out daily operations and scientific experiments without issue.

Commander Chen Dong, already China’s record-holder for cumulative time in space with 416 days, is extending his lead due to the prolonged stay. The incident mirrors a recent NASA situation in which astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams spent 286 days in orbit after their Starliner capsule malfunctioned.

Experts note that two stranding events in close succession underscore growing concerns about orbital debris. As more satellites and spacecraft fill low Earth orbit, the risk of collisions — and the need for robust space-rescue capabilities — is rapidly increasing.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com