Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-20 mission narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic situation last year when a crack was discovered in their return capsule’s window. The crew, consisting of Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, were preparing for their descent from the Tiangong space station on November 5, 2025, when the damage was identified.
Discovery of the Crack
Commander Chen Dong first noticed a triangular mark on the capsule’s viewport during a final inspection. Initially dismissing it as a possible foreign object, he quickly realized the mark was caused by cracks that had penetrated the window itself. The incident marked China’s first in-space emergency, requiring immediate coordination between the astronauts, the Shenzhou-21 relief crew, and ground control teams.
Collaborative Response
The taikonauts (Chinese astronauts) maintained a calm and methodical approach, as described in a recent interview with Chinese state media. Astronaut Chen Zhongrui emphasized the importance of clear communication during the crisis, stating that prompt updates from ground control helped keep the crew composed.
“When we learned of the situation, we had discussions and reached a common understanding,” Chen Zhongrui stated. “At the same time, the ground teams communicated with us promptly, and we soon calmed down.”
Delayed Return and Safe Landing
The crew’s departure was initially delayed after the discovery of the crack. However, they were able to return to Earth nine days later aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, which had delivered their replacement crew. The three astronauts safely landed in Inner Mongolia on November 14, concluding a record-breaking 204-day mission in orbit.
Implications and Context
This incident underscores the real risks of space travel, even in the modern era. While the astronauts’ 204 days in orbit was a Chinese record, it remains significantly shorter than the 437-day space endurance record held by other nations. The event highlights the need for robust spacecraft shielding and debris tracking systems to ensure astronaut safety in the increasingly crowded orbital environment. The fact that the damage was likely caused by space junk emphasizes the growing problem of orbital debris, which poses a threat to all space missions.
The Chinese space program’s ability to respond effectively to this emergency demonstrates its growing maturity and operational resilience. It also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of space exploration given the increasing accumulation of debris in low Earth orbit.
