Beijing, January 17 – In a highly anticipated press conference at the Beijing Aerospace City, the Shenzhou-20 crew made their first public appearance since returning from space. Astronauts Chen Tong, Chen Chongrui, and Wang Xie stepped forward to share gripping details of their mission, including a dramatic encounter with space debris that nearly derailed their return.
The trio launched aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft on April 24, 2025, embarking on a series of critical experiments aboard China’s orbiting space station. Their mission was slated to conclude with a landing on November 5. However, during final pre-return checks, the crew spotted a crack in the spacecraft’s window – a puncture likely caused by high-speed space junk.
Ground control teams swiftly assessed the damage, postponing the landing to ensure safety. On November 14, the astronauts transferred to the Shenzhou-21 vehicle for a safe touchdown at the Tongfeng landing site. The seamless operation highlighted China’s advancing capabilities in manned spaceflight.
During the conference, the astronauts recounted the heart-pounding moment of discovering the debris impact. ‘We saw the crack appear suddenly,’ Chen Tong described, emphasizing the calm execution of emergency protocols. They also shared insights into daily life in orbit, from conducting scientific research to maintaining the station’s systems.
This incident underscores the growing challenges of space debris in low-Earth orbit, where thousands of fragments pose risks to satellites and crewed missions. China’s space program responded with precision, including the successful docking of Shenzhou-22 shortly after, proving the resilience of its infrastructure.
As China pushes toward long-term space station operations and future lunar ambitions, stories like this remind us of the high-stakes reality behind humanity’s reach for the stars. The Shenzhou-20 crew’s safe return is a testament to rigorous training and technological prowess.