Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Chinese Astronauts' Space Return Delayed Due to Suspected Debris Impact
Three astronauts from China are living on a space station called Tiangong.
Their spaceship, Shenzhou-20, was supposed to bring them home on Wednesday, November 5.
However, space mission controllers are worried that a tiny piece of space junk might have hit their spaceship.
To make sure it's safe for their trip back to Earth, they are doing careful checks.
This means the astronauts have to wait longer to come home.
While waiting, a fun video of them grilling meat in space was shared, which made many people on the internet laugh.
A new team of astronauts on the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft has already arrived at the space station.
The return of Chinese astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie aboard Shenzhou-20 has been delayed.
The delay is due to concerns that the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft may have been struck by small space debris.
An impact analysis and risk assessment are currently underway to ensure the astronauts' safety.
The astronauts were originally scheduled to return on November 5 after a six-month mission.
A video of the astronauts grilling meat in space has garnered significant attention online.
- Who
- Three Chinese astronauts (Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, Wang Jie) and China's Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
- What
- The return of the Shenzhou-20 spaceship carrying three astronauts has been postponed due to a suspected impact from small space debris, requiring safety assessments. A video of the astronauts grilling meat in space gained viral attention.
- When
- The return was originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 5. No new return date has been announced.
- Where
- Tiangong space station, with the return intended for the Dongfeng landing site in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
- Why
- To ensure the safety and health of the astronauts due to potential damage to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft from a suspected small debris impact.
Official Statement
Public Reaction & Media Framing
Reason for Delay
Official Statement
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) stated the delay is due to a suspected impact on the Shenzhou-20 spaceship by small debris, necessitating an impact analysis and risk assessment for astronaut safety.
Public Reaction & Media Framing
The internet was stunned by a video of astronauts grilling meat in space, with some humorously suggesting it relates to the delay, while media highlighted the astronauts' extended stay and the unusual circumstances.
Astronaut Activity
Official Statement
The CMSA confirmed the astronauts' extended mission but did not comment on specific activities like food preparation.
Public Reaction & Media Framing
State broadcaster CCTV+ shared a video of the astronauts grilling meat in space, which went viral and sparked humorous online commentary about their extended stay.
- Spacecraft
- Shenzhou-20
- Astronauts
- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, Wang Jie
- Space Station
- Tiangong
- Original Return Date
- Wednesday, November 5
- Reason for Delay
- Suspected impact from small space debris, requiring impact analysis and risk assessment for safety.
- Replacement Crew/Spacecraft
- Shenzhou-21 crew arrived; Shenzhou-22 and Long March 2F launcher on standby as 'plan B'.
- Mission Duration
- Six-month mission extended.
- Launch Date
- April 25
Sources
China delays astronauts’ homecoming over fears of return ship-debris collision
Chinese astronauts face delayed return to Earth after spacecraft possibly hit by small debris
Chinese Spaceship's Return Delayed Due To Suspected Debris Strike
Chinese astronauts taking air-frying food to another level? Stranded taikonauts grilling meat in space stuns internet
