The crew of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft returned to Earth on November 14, 2025, after a week’s delay caused by an incident involving space debris. The impact resulted in a cracked window on their spacecraft, prompting mission controllers at the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) to implement a change in their return plan. Instead of using their original spacecraft, the team departed aboard the newly arrived Shenzhou-21 spacecraft.
Originally scheduled to return on November 5, the three-member crew—comprised of Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—was delayed while conducting safety inspections with support from mission control. The CMSA reported on November 11 that assessments were ongoing and that backup plans were in place to ensure the crew’s safe return.
At 10:14 p.m. EST on November 13, the crew successfully departed the Tiangong space station, landing in Inner Mongolia at 11:14 a.m. Beijing Time (09:14 p.m. EST, November 15). Following their return, medical teams evaluated the astronauts and confirmed that all were in good health, as reported by state-owned media outlet Xinhua.
In a statement to reporters, Chen Dong expressed pride in the mission’s success, stating, “Space exploration has never been easy for humankind. This mission was a true test, and we are proud to have completed it successfully.” He highlighted the dedication of the teams involved, emphasizing that astronaut safety remains a top priority.
Significant Milestones and Future Plans
The Shenzhou-20 mission marked several notable achievements. Commander Chen Dong completed six extravehicular activities, becoming the taikonaut with the most such tasks to date. Additionally, the crew’s extended time in space made them the first to spend over 200 consecutive days in orbit. They also celebrated a unique milestone by enjoying a barbecued meal in space, welcoming the new crew aboard the station.
The CMSA confirmed that the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, which launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 31, brought a replacement crew to the Tiangong space station. The new team includes Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang. With the departure of the previous crew, the Shenzhou-21 astronauts currently lack a return plan, though this is expected to be addressed with the upcoming launch of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, which will be uncrewed.
This incident underscores a significant developmental milestone for China’s space program, showcasing its preparedness for unexpected challenges. The ability to execute backup plans ensures that operations aboard Tiangong will continue without interruption. With the imminent retirement of the International Space Station (ISS), China aims for Tiangong and future stations to maintain humanity’s presence and scientific endeavors in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
As China progresses in its space ambitions, the successful return of the Shenzhou-20 crew not only highlights the resilience of its space program but also sets the stage for continued exploration and innovation in the future.
