China Brings Stranded Shenzhou-20 Crew Home After Cracks Found in Capsule Window

Shenzhou-21 Rescue Returns Taikonauts after Shenzhou-20 Window Damage

Three Chinese astronauts — Commander Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie — who were left unable to use their original return vehicle after orbital debris struck the Shenzhou-20 capsule, were safely returned to Earth by the follow-on crew aboard Shenzhou-21. The crew touched down on Nov. 14 at 3:45 a.m. EST and were reported in good health with no immediate injuries from the incident.

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said tiny cracks were discovered in the Shenzhou-20 viewport window, most likely caused by an external impact from orbital debris. Because of those cracks, CMSA judged Shenzhou-20 not stable enough for a crewed reentry; the capsule will remain in orbit for further inspection and testing.

"Tiny cracks have been found in the return capsule's viewport window, which are most probably caused by external impact from space debris," CMSA said, according to Chinese state news outlet Xinhua (via Space.com).

The Shenzhou-20 mission launched in April. During a six-month stay at the Tiangong space station, the three-person crew conducted microgravity experiments and performed station maintenance. In September the team installed additional Whipple shielding on Tiangong itself to help protect the station from small debris particles — shielding that was not added to their own return capsule.

Space-safety experts note this episode, together with other recent incidents of equipment damage, highlights growing concerns about orbital debris and crew rescue options. Some analysts are urging the creation of an independent space-rescue advisory capability to help governments and companies plan and coordinate recoveries of stranded crews, particularly those aboard less well-supplied vehicles rather than well-stocked stations.

What happens next: CMSA will continue investigations into the Shenzhou-20 capsule while the returned crew undergo routine medical checks. The incident underscores the ongoing risk posed by orbital debris and the need for enhanced shielding, monitoring and contingency planning.