**
3 Chinese Astronauts Stranded After Space Debris Collision
In a dramatic space emergency, three Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft are stranded in orbit after a collision with space debris. The incident highlights the escalating dangers of orbital junk and has triggered a global response to rescue the crew.
The Collision: What Happened?
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirmed the Shenzhou-18 was hit by a piece of space debris at 14:30 Beijing Time while en route to the Tiangong Space Station. The impact disabled the spacecraft’s propulsion system, leaving Commander Li Guang, engineer Wang Yaping, and researcher Zhang Wei adrift in low Earth orbit.
Early reports suggest the debris was a fragment from a defunct satellite. The U.S. Space Command is assisting in tracking the debris field, but its exact origin remains unknown.
Emergency Response: Rescue Mission Underway
CNSA has initiated emergency protocols, fast-tracking the Shenzhou-19 mission for a potential rescue. The Tiangong Space Station crew is on standby to assist if the stranded astronauts can be maneuvered within docking range.
International agencies, including NASA and Roscosmos, have offered support, though China’s independent space policies may limit direct cooperation. Private firms like SpaceX are also being considered for contingency plans.
The Rising Threat of Space Junk
Earth’s orbit contains over 128 million pieces of debris, some traveling at 28,000 km/h—enough to cripple spacecraft. This incident follows China’s controversial 2007 anti-satellite test, which created thousands of hazardous fragments. Experts warn that without stricter regulations, such collisions will increase.
What’s Next for the Astronauts?
The crew has weeks of supplies, but stabilizing their orbit is critical to avoid uncontrolled re-entry. Repairing the spacecraft in microgravity is high-risk, while abandoning ship would mean losing Shenzhou-18.
A Call for Global Space Governance
This crisis underscores the need for better debris tracking, removal technologies, and international cooperation. The UN’s Office for Outer Space Affairs advocates for stronger mitigation rules, but enforcement lags.
Conclusion
The Shenzhou-18 incident is a wake-up call for spacefaring nations. As rescue efforts unfold, the world watches—a reminder of the fragility of human ventures beyond Earth.
Follow NextMinuteNews for live updates.
**
