Shenzhou-20 to Make Uncrewed Return After Debris Scare
After a debris scare in early November, Shenzhou-20 will return uncrewed to Earth this December, generating key data for China’s manned space program.
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After a debris scare in early November, Shenzhou-20 will return uncrewed to Earth this December, generating key data for China’s manned space program.
A tiny crack found on Shenzhou-20’s window on November 5 highlights how millimeter-sized debris endangers spacecraft, prompting urgent upgrades delivered by Shenzhou-22.
China launched Shenzhou-22 without crew on Nov 25, 2025, shifting to a supply mission due to space debris and showcasing its “one launch, one backup” safety model.
After 200 days aboard the China Space Station, Shenzhou-20 astronauts returned safely on Shenzhou-21, overcoming debris risks and completing four spacewalks.
CMSA found tiny cracks in Shenzhou-20’s return capsule viewport, grounding its crewed return. The spacecraft will stay in orbit as experiments continue.
On Nov 14, 2025, the Chinese mainland’s Shenzhou-21 undocked from the space station, carrying the delayed Shenzhou-20 crew, postponed from Nov 5 due to suspected debris impact.
The Chinese mainland has postponed the Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft’s return due to a suspected space debris impact. CMSA is conducting risk assessments to prioritize astronaut safety.
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