Shenzhou-20 Crew Lands Safely in Inner Mongolia After Switch to Replacement Capsule

Overview

• Three Shenzhou-20 astronauts returned to Earth on November 14 after more than six months on Tiangong, the CMSA said.
• Their November 5 return was postponed when small cracks were found in a station window, which the agency linked to a suspected microdebris impact.
• To reduce risk, the departing crew used the newly arrived Shenzhou-21 spacecraft for reentry during the overlap handover period.
• CMSA noted that routine overlaps leave two Shenzhou vehicles docked, a setup that enabled the reassignment but raises planning needs for future emergencies.
• The agency said Shenzhou-22 will launch at an "appropriate time," and officials also highlighted a first on‑orbit barbecue using an adapted hot‑air oven.