Shenzhou-20 stranded crew finally begins return to Earth after space debris mishap

China’s Shezhou-20 crew who were stranded in the country’s Tiangong space station due to space debris hitting their capsule, are expected to begin their journey back to Earth on Friday.

According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), the three Chinese astronauts have boarded another replacement crew’s spacecraft.

Shenzhou-20 crew members, Chen Zhongrui, Wang Jie, and Chen Dong, were scheduled to make their journey back to earth on November, 5. Unfortunately, space debris mishap caused the damage and delayed return due to “tiny cracks” in the small window of the spacecraft.

The crack was discovered after the crew completed their six-month mission on China’s Tiangong space station as part of the “Divine Vessel” Shenzhou program. The astronauts were also due to return to Earth nine days ago.

"The capsule does not meet the safety requirements for a crewed return, Shenzhou-20 will remain in orbit and conduct relevant experiments," the CMSA issued a statement.

As per agency’s details, the crew would en route in the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft and land at the Dongfeng site in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Friday afternoon.

All three astronauts are in good health and preparations are ongoing for their highly-anticipated return.

The mission was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China in April.

The Shenzhou-20 mission went smoothly until a “suspected impact from tiny space debris” caused an unexpected delay in return.