Fri Nov 14 06:29:58 UTC 2025: Summary:
Three Chinese astronauts, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, are set to return to Earth on November 14, 2025, aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. Their original return on the Shenzhou-20 was delayed due to a debris strike that caused minor damage to the spacecraft. The crew is reported to be in good condition, and preparations are underway for their landing in Inner Mongolia. The Shenzhou-20 will remain in orbit for experiments, while the future launch of Shenzhou-22 remains undisclosed.
News Article:
Chinese Astronauts Return to Earth After Debris Delay
BEIJING – Three Chinese astronauts are returning to Earth today, November 14, 2025, after a delay caused by orbital debris. Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, members of the Shenzhou-20 mission to the Tiangong Space Station, are now aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft for their return journey.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) stated that the Shenzhou-20’s original return date of November 5th was postponed after the spacecraft was struck by debris, resulting in a minor crack in its window glass. The astronauts are reported to be in good condition after successfully separating from the Tiangong Space Station at 11:14 a.m. (0314 GMT).
Preparations are underway at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia to welcome the returning astronauts. The damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft will remain in orbit for further experiments. CMSA added that the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft will be launched at a later date, without giving any details.
This incident highlights the increasing challenges posed by space debris as China continues to invest heavily in its ambitious space program, with plans to send a crewed mission to the Moon by the end of the decade and eventually establish a lunar base.
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