"In a statement to state-run news outlet Xinhua, the China Manned Space Agency revealed that crews had found "tiny cracks" in the "return capsule's viewport window, which are most probably caused by external impact from space debris." As a result, the "Shenzhou-20 spacecraft does not meet the requirements for the astronauts' safe return and will remain in orbit to continue relevant experiments."
"The incident highlights how much of a risk space junk, which can be errant parts of rockets or dead satellites and range from mere millimeters across to much larger, has become for prolonged human activity in our planet's orbit. At speeds of tens of thousands of miles per hour, even the tiniest pieces can carry the energy as a bullet."
"Fortunately, the three astronauts have now made it back down to Earth in one piece. The Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, which launched to the Tiangong space station on October 31 with the next three astronauts on board, allowed the existing team to make their safe return in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region early Thursday morning. The CMSA has since stated that the next mission, Shenzhou-22, "will be launched at an appropriate time in the future," ."
China delayed a November 5 return of three Tiangong astronauts after inspections found tiny cracks in the Shenzhou-20 return capsule viewport likely caused by space debris impact. The China Manned Space Agency concluded Shenzhou-20 did not meet safety requirements and left it in orbit to continue experiments. A replacement vehicle, Shenzhou-21, launched October 31 and enabled the crew to return safely to Inner Mongolia. CMSA indicated Shenzhou-22 will be launched at an appropriate future time. High-velocity orbital debris poses severe risks to long-duration human activity, forcing spacecraft to maneuver frequently. Rising satellite launches and a growing space arms race could exacerbate the problem.
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