By 
November 11th, 2025
Shenzhou-20 crew is seen in this pre-launch image.
Image credit: China Manned Space Agency
The decision by China to delay the return of its Shenzhou-20 crew from the country’s space station due to a possible impact from space debris has led to yet another “stranded in space” state of affairs.
In addition, the situation is sparking discussion of space rescue planning – or lack of it.
That trio of Chinese space travelers — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie — have been orbiting Earth for more than six months. They were due to parachute to Earth on November 5.
Artwork depicts China’s Tiangong space station.
Image credit: China Manned Space Agency
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced the landing wave-off, explaining in a posting:
“The Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft is suspected of being struck by small space debris and impact analysis and risk assessment [s] are underway. To ensure the safety and health of the astronauts and the complete success of the mission, it has been decided that the Shenzhou-20 return mission, originally scheduled for November 5th, will be postponed.”
For details on this topic, go to my new Space.com story – “Space rescue services needed? 2 ‘stranded’ astronaut incidents are a ‘massive wake-up call,’ experts say” – at:
Life first, safety first
UPDATE: China today made this statement via the China Manned Space Engineering Website
Posted in Space News
The policy issue of resque standards was raised publicly with former Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA) several years ago while the Wolf Amendment was in infancy. He had blinders on as to the Chinese alleging the Chinese had hacked his Congressional office. When logic and reason return to bilaterial foreignpolicy,only then will common standards be perfected among nationals in spacecraft in need of assistance.