China's Stranded Astronauts Show the Dangers of Space Junk

image via New Scientist

November 7, 2025, 6:35 PM

• •A space-junk strike delayed the return of three Chinese astronauts.
• •The incident underscores the rising danger of orbital debris.
• •Experts are concerned about the lack of debris cleanup and international coordination.
• •The Kessler syndrome, a chain reaction of collisions, is a major fear.

Following a space-junk strike on the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft, three Chinese astronauts face a delayed return to Earth, emphasizing the growing threat of orbital debris. Scientists warn that the increasing amount of space junk, from collisions and discarded objects, makes such incidents inevitable, with the potential for catastrophic chain reactions. Low-Earth orbit, where most debris concentrates, sees increasing satellite traffic, complicating safety management. Without effective debris cleanup methods or international coordination, especially between the U.S. and China, the risks to space infrastructure and astronauts continue to escalate.

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