The crew of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft returned safely to Earth on November 14, 2025, after a week-long delay caused by damage from space debris. The impact resulted in a cracked window on Shenzhou-20, prompting a change in their return plans. The astronauts—Commander Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie—departed from China’s Tiangong space station using the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft instead.
Originally scheduled to return on November 5, the crew’s timeline shifted due to concerns over the integrity of their spacecraft. The six taikonauts aboard the Tiangong station conducted inspections with support from mission controllers at the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). By November 11, the China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) confirmed that assessment and backup plans were progressing effectively.
At 10:14 p.m. EST on November 13, the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft launched, allowing the crew to leave the station. They landed in Inner Mongolia at 11:14 a.m. Beijing Time on November 14 (9:14 p.m. EST on November 13). Medical teams evaluated the astronauts upon landing, confirming they were in good health, as reported by the state-owned media company Xinhua.
Chen Dong shared his reflections with reporters, 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 emphasized that the safety of astronauts is a priority, remarking on the exceptional performances of all teams involved.
The CMSEO released an official statement the same day, detailing that the Shenzhou-21 had launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on October 31, delivering the new crew, which includes Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang. Following the departure of the Shenzhou-20 crew, the Shenzhou-21 team currently lacks a return plan, although this is expected to be addressed with the upcoming launch of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, which will not carry crew members.
The Shenzhou-20 mission marked several significant milestones. Commander Chen Dong completed six extravehicular activities, making him the taikonaut with the most such tasks to date. The crew also became the first to spend over 200 consecutive days in space. Additionally, they celebrated a unique occasion as the first astronauts to enjoy a barbecued meal in space, commemorating the arrival of the new crew.
This incident serves as a crucial developmental milestone for China’s space program, showcasing the agency’s preparedness for unforeseen challenges in space. The successful implementation of backup plans ensures continuity of operations aboard the Tiangong station. As the International Space Station approaches retirement, China aims for Tiangong and future stations to facilitate ongoing exploration and scientific research in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
