China has announced that its Shenzhou-20 spacecraft collided with a small piece of space debris floating in orbit, which delayed its return to Earth.
The Chinese space agency has said that the impact of the debris caused very small cracks in the vehicle’s return capsule. According to the initial plan, the three astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie were to return to Earth on November 5, but these astronauts returned to Earth on November 14. Experts say the incident reflects the growing threat of space debris and could pave the way for international initiatives to enhance cooperation in space traffic management and debris monitoring. Finally, the three astronauts returned safely to Earth on November 14 aboard the Shenzhou-21 capsule.
The incident highlights the fact that, as space activities are increasing rapidly, the dangers of space debris also highlight the need for international cooperation.
China expands space ties with Pakistan through astronaut program
China has expanded space ties with Pakistan through the astronaut program under which Pakistan astronauts will perform short-term missions as part of China’s space station missions, reported Chinese media on Thursday. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, China has decided to expand its space ties with Pakistan through a significant astronaut program. Two Pakistani astronauts will undergo training alongside Chinese astronauts, and one of them will be selected to participate in a short-duration spaceflight mission as a payload specialist, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference on Thursday.
The astronaut from Pakistan will train alongside Chinese astronauts, Xinhua reported China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), as announced at a press conference. China’s Global Times also reported that during the mission, the astronaut will not only participate in the crew’s routine work but will also conduct experiments on behalf of Pakistan.
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