In November 2025, an incident involving China's Shenzhou-20 spacecraft brought renewed attention to the escalating issue

of space debris orbiting our planet. The crew aboard the Shenzhou-20 discovered cracks in their spacecraft's viewport

window just before undocking from the Chinese space station. This damage was attributed to an impact from orbital

debris, leading to an emergency launch of the uncrewed Shenzhou-22 to ensure a safe return for the astronauts. This

event highlights the growing concerns surrounding the safety of human spaceflight and the increasing risks posed by the

accumulation of space junk.

Space debris is defined as any non-functional human-made object in orbit around Earth, which includes defunct

satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from past collisions. According to space debris experts, there are nearly

130 million pieces of this orbital junk, and the situation is worsening. The Kessler syndrome, which predicts that an

increase in space debris can lead to a cascade of collisions generating even more debris, is becoming a significant

concern for space agencies and private companies alike.

The origins of this debris are varied, including the remnants of rocket launches, accidental collisions, and deliberate

actions such as anti-satellite weapons tests. These activities contribute to a crowded orbital environment, where even

tiny pieces of debris can pose serious threats to operational spacecraft. The Shenzhou-20 incident exemplifies the

real-world consequences of this cluttered orbital environment, as the damage to the spacecraft made it unsuitable for

crew return and required an unprecedented emergency response.

The implications of the Shenzhou-20 incident extend beyond the immediate operational challenges faced by astronauts. It

serves as a wake-up call regarding the state of our shared orbital environment, a concern echoed by experts like Moriba

Jah. The emergency measures taken to ensure the safety of the crew underscore the potential dangers faced by future

space missions as the amount of debris continues to climb.

While the incident was resolved successfully, it raises important questions about the effectiveness of existing debris

mitigation strategies. Currently, there is no comprehensive solution to slow down or reverse the accumulation of space

debris. Various proposals have been put forward, such as active debris removal technologies and international treaties

to limit the creation of new debris, but progress remains slow.

Furthermore, the Shenzhou-20 incident does not imply that space agencies are unprepared for emergencies. Rather, it

highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptation in response to the evolving challenges of orbital debris. The

development of better tracking systems and improved spacecraft design to withstand impacts may be essential to enhance

safety in low Earth orbit.

As space exploration continues to expand, with more countries and private entities launching missions, the stakes are

higher than ever. The Shenzhou-20 incident is a reminder that space agencies must prioritize the management of space

debris to ensure the sustainability of outer space activities. The long-term implications for human exploration,

satellite operations, and even commercial ventures in space depend on finding effective solutions to this pressing

issue.

In conclusion, while the Shenzhou-20 event was resolved without harm to the astronauts, it underscores the urgent need

for comprehensive strategies to address the growing problem of space debris. The future of space exploration hinges on

our ability to maintain the safety and sustainability of our orbital environments.