Shenzhou 21 Astronauts Face Uncertain Future Aboard Tiangong Station

Three astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station are currently in a precarious situation following the departure of their planned ride home. Members of the Shenzhou 21 mission, who arrived at the station on October 31, 2023, now face uncertainty after the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft was utilized to return a different crew on November 13, 2023. The Shenzhou 20 was deemed unfit for safe re-entry due to damage sustained from a space debris strike, leaving the Shenzhou 21 astronauts without a reliable means to return to Earth.

The astronauts, commander Zhang Lu and his crewmates Zhang Hongzhang and Wu Fei, are expected to remain aboard the Tiangong space station for the duration of their six-month mission. While their current situation appears challenging, it may only be temporary. China’s policy during crewed missions involves keeping a Long March 2F rocket and additional Shenzhou spacecraft in a state of near readiness at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. According to SpaceNews reporter Andrew Jones, this standby lifeboat can be launched to Tiangong as soon as 8.5 days after a contingency is declared.

Chinese space officials have indicated plans for the launch of the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft to Tiangong, although they have not provided a specific timeline. The decision to expedite this launch reflects the nation’s priority to minimize risk to its astronauts. Each day spent in orbit without a safe return option increases the inherent dangers faced by the crew.

The situation draws parallels to the experience of NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who encountered issues during their mission on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024. They faced complications with the Boeing Starliner capsule, which ultimately returned to Earth uncrewed. In contrast, the Shenzhou 21 astronauts do not have the luxury of multiple safe return options docked at their current location. The Shenzhou 20 spacecraft, the only crew-capable vehicle currently at Tiangong, has suffered damage, rendering it unsafe for transport.

According to the state-run Xinhua news outlet, the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft will remain in orbit to continue relevant experiments. This news further underscores the challenges faced by the Shenzhou 21 crew, as they navigate their mission aboard the Tiangong space station.

Shenzhou 21 marks the tenth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station, which is approximately 20% the mass of the ISS. The presence of both experienced and rookie astronauts on this mission highlights China’s ongoing advancements in space exploration. Commander Zhang Lu previously flew on the Shenzhou 15 mission in 2022, while Wu Fei stands out as the youngest member of China’s astronaut corps.

As the Shenzhou 21 crew continues their work aboard Tiangong, the attention now turns to the timeline for the launch of the Shenzhou 22. The situation remains fluid, with the Chinese space program focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of its astronauts during this critical period.