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5h ago

Shenzhou-20 Return Delayed After Suspected Debris Strike as China Runs Safety Checks

Engineers are vetting the capsule’s reentry systems before setting a new return date.

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Journalists film next to the Chinese character launch center as Shenzhou-21 spacecraft sitting atop a Long March rocket covered on a launch pad is seen behind, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
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The Shenzhou-21 spacecraft sitting atop a Long March rocket covered on a launch pad is seen near the Chinese characters for launch, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Overview

  • China postponed the Shenzhou-20 undocking on Nov. 5 just hours before departure after a suspected tiny debris impact to the return module.
  • Both Shenzhou-20 and Shenzhou-21 crews are living and working normally aboard Tiangong as ground teams run simulations, system tests and landing rehearsals at Dongfeng.
  • Officials have not disclosed where or how extensive any damage is; engineering focus includes thermal protection and parachute deployment hardware, with inspections likely aided by Tiangong’s robotic arm.
  • No new reentry timeline has been announced, and no emergency launch is in motion, though protocols allow a backup Shenzhou and Long March-2F to be readied in about 8.5 days if required.
  • Social media calls for a SpaceX rescue surfaced, but experts note docking incompatibilities, suit and hatch issues and political constraints make such a mission impractical.