Last November, China's manned space program pulled off its first-ever emergency rescue mission, compressing a months-long process into just 20 days 🚀.
Cracked window, high stakes
The trouble began on November 4, 2025, when the Shenzhou-20 crew spotted a crack in an external porthole window during final return checks. Using cameras and the station's 40x microscope, they confirmed the damage was a penetrating micrometeoroid impact. CASC later confirmed the glass had cracked all the way through.
Race against time
Ground teams immediately grounded Shenzhou-20 and activated the launch one, back up one, rolling backup protocol. The backup Shenzhou-22 spacecraft was ready on standby, but its typical 30-45 day prep needed to be squeezed into just 16 days.
Teams shifted from serial to parallel processes, working around the clock to assemble rocket stages, integrate escape towers, and conduct final checks—all without cutting any test procedures. Even the busy launch site schedule was optimized, compressing satellite test windows and using three shifts per day.
Crew swap and fast return
Meanwhile, the Shenzhou-20 crew stayed on the station with the Shenzhou-21 team, retraining for their new return ride. On November 14, they used a rapid 3-circle trajectory aboard Shenzhou-21 to land safely at the Dongfeng site, nine days later than planned.
Shenzhou-22 takes the stage
With the rescue complete, Shenzhou-22 launched unmanned on November 25 as a space lifeboat plus supply ship. It carried record cargo—fresh food, supplies, and a repair device for the damaged window—and docked smoothly to serve as the return craft for the station crew.
This stunning feat showcased the maturity and resilience of China's spaceflight capabilities, setting a new standard for in-orbit emergency response. And the rolling backup protocol continues: Shenzhou-23 is already in final assembly, ready for its standby role!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
