Shenzhou-20 to Return Unmanned After Tiny Debris Crack
China’s Shenzhou-20 will return unmanned after micro-debris cracked its window last month. Astronauts swapped to Shenzhou-21, safe return on Nov 14, with Shenzhou-22 launching Nov 25.
News That Embraces Insight and Understanding
China’s Shenzhou-20 will return unmanned after micro-debris cracked its window last month. Astronauts swapped to Shenzhou-21, safe return on Nov 14, with Shenzhou-22 launching Nov 25.
On Nov 5, 2025, a tiny crack appeared on Shenzhou-20’s window in orbit. A Chinese space expert explains how millimeter-sized debris threatens spacecraft and how Shenzhou-22 delivered emergency gear.
Explore how the Chinese mainland’s 156-satellite ‘orbital guardian’ launching in 2026 will track space debris and protect satellites.
Explore why the Chinese mainland’s Shenzhou-22 flew crewless, how orbital junk reshaped plans, and why the one launch-one backup system is a global space-safety game-changer.