BLUF
China is preparing to launch a replacement spacecraft. The earlier return capsule damage highlights how unexpected hazards can quickly strain crew planning and supplies. A rescue launch is planned, but orbital timing means they must wait.Learning Outcomes
• Explain how debris hazards affect crew safety, contingency planning, and platform assurance.
• Identify factors that shape rescue timelines, including launch readiness and orbital alignment.
• Assess implications for international cooperation, risk management, and redundancy in crewed space operations.
