Overview
- China’s human spaceflight office says emergency procedures are in effect, with simulations, system tests and safety evaluations underway on the Shenzhou-20 return module.
- Recovery forces at the Dongfeng landing area are conducting integrated drills as engineers complete inspections and quality confirmations for reentry.
- Both Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crews are living and working normally on Tiangong, which is currently supporting six people using existing life-support and recent Tianzhou resupply.
- Contingency options include returning the trio on the docked Shenzhou-21 or readying Shenzhou-22 and a Long March 2F for launch in roughly 8.5 days if required.
- Officials have not disclosed damage details; analysts note potential concerns for the heat shield or parachute systems and argue the case for standardized rescue frameworks as commercial rescues appear impractical.