Three Chinese astronauts have returned to Earth after an unexpected delay in space. They had to extend their stay on the Chinese space station due to a piece of space debris hitting their spacecraft.
The Shenzhou 20 mission started off smoothly. The astronauts launched from Gansu Province in April and spent six months conducting experiments, including unique studies like how mice reproduce in low gravity and even barbecuing Chinese food in space.
However, things took a turn when a fragment of space debris cracked a window on their spacecraft just days after a new crew had arrived. Lincoln Hines, an expert in space politics from Georgia Tech, highlights the dangers of space debris, which travels at astonishing speeds—around 18,000 miles per hour. For perspective, that’s about seven times faster than a bullet. As more satellites are launched, the risk of collisions increases, leading to concerns about the safety and viability of future space missions.
China has made significant advancements in space exploration since its first crewed mission in 2003. Recently, they announced plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2030. But the growing issue of space debris could threaten these ambitions, as Hines cautions that congested orbits could limit access to crucial areas of space.
Ultimately, the astronauts returned safely, landing in Inner Mongolia after spending 204 days in orbit—a record for China’s space program. The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictable nature of space travel today.
Source link
