spacetoday.net: China postpones Shenzhou-20 return on orbital debris concerns

Posted: Sun, Nov 9, 2025, 8:58 AM ET (1358 GMT)
China is postponing the return of a Shenzhou spacecraft from its Tiangong space station after concerns the spacecraft was damaged by orbital debris. The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was expected to return to Earth today carrying three astronauts after six months on Tiangong. Chinese officials, though, said they believed the spacecraft was struck by orbital debris and they are delaying the return to assess potential damage. Officials did not specify the location of the suspected strike, the extent of any damage or the data that indicated an impact. No potential dates were noted for a return to Earth. Checks on the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft could include telemetry and leak tests, verifying guidance and propulsion systems, and screening for impacts in accelerometer and acoustic sensor data, with a focus on the spacecraft’s thermal protection system and parachutes.