Return of Chinese astronauts postponed: spacecraft damaged by space debris.

According to Korrespondent.net: The return of three Chinese astronauts to Earth has been postponed due to a possible collision of their spacecraft with space debris, as reported by the China National Space Administration, according to CNN. The crew of the Shenzhou-20 mission, which includes Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, was scheduled to land on November 5 after a six-month stay on the Tiangong space station. However, an emergency occurred in orbit: the landing module reportedly collided with space debris. As a result of the collision, visible damage has been found on the hull of the spacecraft, and engineers are expressing concern about a possible breach of the capsule's internal integrity.

Investigation of potential threats

According to expert information, a fragment of space debris from over 19,000 large objects orbiting Earth most likely hit the capsule. These debris are moving at speeds of up to 27,000 kilometers per hour, and even a particle the size of a pea can puncture the hull of the spacecraft.

Comments from Chinese authorities

The Chinese authorities have not yet commented on possible rescue options. The official statement only mentions that a 'risk assessment' is underway. The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft with the crew launched on April 24, delivering three astronauts to the Chinese orbital station Tiangong. After six months of work in orbit, the crew completed its mission and officially handed over the station's management to the new crew of the Shenzhou-21 mission on November 4.

Both crews will remain on board until the analysis of the consequences of the collision with the space debris is completed.

It was previously reported that China plans to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030.

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This situation with the Chinese spacecraft highlights the increasing risks for space missions posed by space debris. The issue of safety remains on the agenda as more countries develop space programs and planned missions. Delays in returning the crew may affect further international space projects, including cooperation between countries.