On Friday (November 14, 2025), the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) revealed that Shenzhou-20's return capsule isn't fit for a safe crewed homecoming. Tiny cracks around the viewport window, likely from space debris, mean the spacecraft will stay in orbit longer.
The discovery came during routine checks of the capsule. While the astronauts' safety is CMSA's top priority, even a small crack can be a big deal when you're re-entering the atmosphere at high speeds! 🚀
Instead of heading back to Earth as planned, Shenzhou-20 will continue its science experiments in orbit. These experiments cover a range of fields—from material testing to zero-gravity biology—and help push the boundaries of space research.
CMSA engineers will analyze the damage and plan for a safe return. Future crews will likely rely on a replacement module or repairs before touching down. Until then, the orbiting lab stays busy above us! 🌍✨
Stay tuned as we follow updates on Shenzhou-20's extended mission. The next chapter in this space saga is just getting started!
Reference(s):
China's Shenzhou-20 spacecraft found unfit for crewed return
cgtn.com
