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Shenzhou-21 Undocks to Return Shenzhou-20 Crew After Debris Damage Found

Engineers identified a microcrack in Shenzhou-20’s return window from suspected space debris, prompting the crew’s ride home on Shenzhou-21.

Overview

  • The spacecraft separated from the Tiangong station at 11:14 a.m. Beijing time on November 14, according to China Central Television.
  • The three astronauts are scheduled to land later on November 14 at the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia.
  • Officials said the crew is in good condition and final descent preparations are underway.
  • A comprehensive assessment found a microcrack in Shenzhou-20’s return module window likely caused by space debris, and that spacecraft will remain in orbit for tests.
  • The outgoing crew arrived on April 24 and transferred station operations to the newly arrived Shenzhou-21 team after its November 1 docking and a November 4 handover.