Overview
- CMSEO determined Shenzhou-20’s return-capsule viewport developed a crack likely caused by space debris, rendering it unsafe for crewed reentry.
- The Shenzhou-20 crew landed on Nov. 14 using the newer Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, leaving the current Tiangong trio without a certified lifeboat.
- An airspace closure notice indicates a Long March 2F launch from Jiuquan around 11:10 p.m. Eastern Nov. 24 (0410 UTC Nov. 25).
- CMSEO official Zhou Yaqiang says Shenzhou-22 will launch without astronauts and deliver food, supplies, and equipment to the station.
- Shenzhou-20 will stay in orbit for experiments and be deorbited later, while the returned astronauts entered quarantine for medical checks.