Unexpected Extension of the Shenzhou-20 Mission
The crew of the Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou-20 is spending more time aboard the Tiangong space station than initially planned, due to a potential encounter with space debris. Originally scheduled to return in November after the arrival of the Shenzhou-21 crew, astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie remain on the station as engineers assess the spacecraft’s condition.
SpaceX Rescue Controversy: Echoes of Political Tensions
This news has triggered a social media wave, with enthusiasts calling on Elon Musk and SpaceX to mount a ‘rescue mission’ for the Chinese crew. Earlier this year, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged Musk to ‘save’ the crew of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, claiming they were ‘abandoned’ by the Biden administration. Although Musk jokingly assured SpaceX’s readiness to retrieve stranded astronauts, the situation didn’t warrant such action.
The Technical and Political Hurdles
An actual rescue operation by SpaceX appears impractical. The next available Crew Dragon missions are booked for NASA’s Crew-12 to the ISS by March-April 2026, followed by a private mission to Vast-1 in June 2026. Altering these plans for an emergency is unrealistic as SpaceX does not maintain an idle fleet for unpredictable events.
Even if a spacecraft were available, compatibility issues arise. Though China allegedly adopted international docking protocols, the Tiangong modules require specific adaptations for successful docking with Crew Dragon. Furthermore, spacewalk transfers pose significant risks; recent tests demonstrated potential, yet Chinese launch suits aren’t designed for external operations.
Alternative Solutions and Implications
The most plausible solution, should the Shenzhou-20 be deemed unsafe for return, is an early launch of the Shenzhou-22 as a substitute-similar to a 2022 mission where Russia deployed an unmanned Soyuz after a leak. The Tiangong is currently configured to house no more than three crew members, necessitating swift crew rotations.
Given the current geopolitical climate, involving a U.S. private company in China’s space endeavors appears unlikely. Any collaborative mission would require high-level governmental approval amidst existing international constraints.
Illustration: Sora
