Three Chinese astronauts returned Friday after a week-long delay when tiny cracks were found in a window of their planned return capsule, likely from orbital debris. The crew left Shenzhou-20 in orbit and returned aboard the newly arrived Shenzhou-21, which had brought a replacement team. Officials said the change was made for safety; the crew had been on a six-month rotation and were originally due back in November.
Chinese Astronauts Return After Week-Long Delay Following Suspected Space-Debris Damage
Three Chinese astronauts returned Friday after a week-long delay when tiny cracks were found in a window of their planned return capsule, likely from orbital debris. The crew left Shenzhou-20 in orbit and returned aboard the newly arrived Shenzhou-21, which had brought a replacement team. Officials said the change was made for safety; the crew had been on a six-month rotation and were originally due back in November.
06:49 PM, 11/15/2025Science
BEIJING (AP)
Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth Friday after their planned landing was delayed for more than a week when their original return capsule was found to be damaged, officials said. The crew left the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft in orbit and came home aboard the recently arrived Shenzhou-21, which had delivered a three-person replacement team to the country's space station.
The China Manned Space Agency said tiny cracks were discovered in a window of the Shenzhou-20 capsule. The agency said the damage was most likely caused by an impact from orbital debris, prompting officials to abandon the original return plan out of an abundance of caution.
The three astronauts had been on a six-month rotation and were originally scheduled to return in November. Rather than risking a reentry in the compromised spacecraft, mission managers opted to use Shenzhou-21 to bring the crew home safely.
Agency statement: Officials emphasized that crew safety was the top priority and that the decision to switch spacecraft followed standard safety reviews after the damage was detected.
This episode highlights the growing challenge posed by space debris to spacecraft and human missions in low Earth orbit. Space agencies worldwide monitor debris closely, and routine inspections are part of standard procedures to protect both equipment and crew.