Who are the Chinese astronauts stuck in space after spacecraft damage?

Three Chinese astronauts — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie — have extended their stay in space after fears that their return spacecraft, Shenzhou-20, may have been damaged.

According to China’s National Space Administration, the astronauts are on a six-month mission aboard the Chinese space station. They had already handed over control of the station to a new crew, reported CNN.

However, on November 5, Chinese officials shared that the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft might have been hit by a small piece of space debris.

The China Manned Space Agency said in a statement, “The Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft is suspected to have been struck by a small piece of orbital debris, and assessment of the impact and associated risks is currently under way. To ensure the health and safety of the astronauts and the successful completion of the mission, it has been decided that the originally planned return of Shenzhou-20 on November 5 will be postponed.”

About the Astronauts

According to CNN, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie began their space journey in April from China’s Inner Mongolia region.

Chen Dong joined the PLA Air Force in 1997 and later became a combat pilot. Inspired by Yang Liwei, China’s first astronaut, Chen fulfilled his dream in 2016 when he flew to space aboard Shenzhou XI.

Speaking to China Daily, he recalled, “The one-hour conversation with Yang made me firmly pursue my dream. What would it make me happier than being led into a team under the guidance of my idol?”

Chen Zhongrui, 40, developed his interest in space through his love for mechanics. He joined China’s third group of astronauts and took part in his first space mission aboard Shenzhou-20 under Chen Dong’s guidance.

Before the launch, he told Xinhua Net, “I am eager to behold our magnificent Earth from space and sense the boundless expanse of the cosmos…I’m equally thrilled to experience weightlessness and fulfill my dream of flying like a Kungfu master.”

Wang Jie took a different route to space. He studied aircraft manufacturing engineering and later earned a doctorate in mechanics. He then worked at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, focusing on spacecraft research.

Speaking to Xinhua Net, he said, “I never dared to slack off during training, and strived for every point in exams. Now, I have finally achieved my first flight, and I’m honored to contribute my efforts to advancing China’s space endeavors.”

As of now, China’s space agency has not announced a new return date for Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie.

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