Overview
- CMSA ruled Shenzhou-20 unsafe for reentry after tiny debris cracked its return-capsule window during pre-landing checks.
- The outgoing Shenzhou-20 crew flew home on Shenzhou-21 on Nov. 14, leaving Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang without an immediate lifeboat.
- An uncrewed Shenzhou-22 is being readied to restore return capability, with CMSA offering no date as airspace notices point to a Nov. 25 launch from Jiuquan.
- The damaged Shenzhou-20 will remain docked to Tiangong to support experiments until a replacement vehicle arrives.
- Analysts say the incident highlights rising low-Earth-orbit debris hazards and the operational strain of maintaining rapid rescue options.