Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft have successfully returned to Earth after a week’s delay caused by damage from space debris. The crew, consisting of Commander Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, was originally scheduled to land on November 5, 2025. However, an impact from space junk cracked the window of their spacecraft, resulting in a postponed return and necessitating the use of the recently arrived Shenzhou-21 for their journey home.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), which monitored the situation as six taikonauts aboard the Tiangong space station conducted inspections. According to a statement released by the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) on November 11, the assessment of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft and the development of backup return plans proceeded smoothly.
The crew departed the Tiangong station aboard the Shenzhou-21 at 10:14 p.m. EST on November 13, 2025, as the Shenzhou-20 was deemed unsafe for re-entry. They successfully landed in Inner Mongolia at 11:14 a.m. Beijing Time on November 14, 2025, which corresponds to 9:14 p.m. EST on November 13. Medical teams evaluated the astronauts upon landing, confirming that all were in good health, as reported by state-owned media outlet Xinhua.
In a statement to reporters, Commander Chen Dong expressed pride in the mission’s success, stating, “Space exploration has never been easy for humankind. This mission was a true test… This experience has left us a profound impression that astronauts’ safety is really prioritized.”
Mission Achievements and Future Plans
The Shenzhou-20 mission marked several significant milestones for China’s space program. Commander Chen Dong completed six extravehicular activities, setting a record for the most tasks of this kind by a taikonaut. Additionally, the crew became the first to spend more than 200 consecutive days in space. They also celebrated a unique event: the first barbecued meal in space, welcoming the new crew from Shenzhou-21.
The CMSEO noted that the Shenzhou-21, which launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 31, 2025, now supports ongoing operations aboard the Tiangong space station. With the previous crew’s departure, the Shenzhou-21 team, which includes Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, currently lacks a specific departure plan. However, the upcoming launch of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, which will be uncrewed, is expected to address this gap.
The recent delay and successful handling of the situation demonstrate the CMSA’s readiness for unforeseen challenges in space. As the International Space Station (ISS) nears retirement, China aims to maintain a leading role in space exploration through its Tiangong program and future stations, ensuring continued scientific operations in Low Earth Orbit.
