China Accelerates Shenzhou-22 Launch Following Debris Damage to Shenzhou-20 Capsule

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has expedited preparations for the uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, now targeting a November 25, 2025, 04:11 UTC launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. This accelerated deployment follows a critical orbital hazard incident that compromised the return vehicle for the Shenzhou-20 crew currently stationed aboard the Tiangong space station.

The urgency stems from a November 14 event where the Shenzhou-20 crew—Commander Chen Dong, engineer Chen Zhongrui, and astronaut Wang Jie—were compelled to use the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft for their return journey. Their designated Shenzhou-20 return capsule sustained damage from suspected space debris, specifically developing "tiny cracks" in a small window, rendering it unfit for a crewed re-entry, according to the CMSA.

The original return date of November 5 was postponed by nine days while the six taikonauts conducted inspections and contingency planning. The Shenzhou-20 crew successfully landed in Inner Mongolia on November 14 aboard Shenzhou-21, marking the first successful execution of an alternative return procedure in the history of China's space station program. During this mission, Commander Chen Dong became the first Chinese astronaut to accumulate over 400 days in orbit, while the crew established a national record for the longest continuous stay at 204 days.

The immediate logistical consequence of this emergency swap is that the Shenzhou-21 crew, which arrived on October 31, is now without a flight-ready return vehicle, as their original vessel was utilized by the departing crew. The expedited Shenzhou-22 mission is intended to deliver essential supplies and, crucially, serve as a backup or replacement return option for the Shenzhou-21 crew, who are now projected to remain aboard the station until approximately April 2026 to complete their rotation.

The CMSA's decision to accelerate Shenzhou-22, which was originally slated for 2026, underscores the priority placed on maintaining safe, continuous operational capability for the Tiangong station. This incident highlights the escalating threat posed by orbital clutter, as space debris travels at speeds up to 17,500 miles per hour, capable of causing significant damage even with minuscule impacts. While the CMSA demonstrated a robust contingency plan, the damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft remains in orbit to conduct further experiments pending a decision on its eventual deorbiting.