China's Shenzhou-22 Docks with Tiangong Amidst Prior Incident

China launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on November 25, 2025, which subsequently docked with the Tiangong space station. This mission is intended to provide a return vehicle for current station astronauts, with their return anticipated in 2026. The launch follows an earlier incident involving the Shenzhou-20 mission, where its return capsule viewport sustained damage, leading to a nine-day delay in its crew's return to Earth.

The Shenzhou-20 Incident and Crew Return

The Shenzhou-20 mission, carrying taikonauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie, was originally scheduled to return to Earth on November 5, 2025. During pre-return checks, Commander Chen Dong identified what appeared to be cracks on the return capsule's viewport.

After notifying his colleagues, the crew utilized a work pad, work phone, and a 40-times microscope to photograph and document the area. This confirmed the presence of multiple small cracks, some of which had penetrated the viewport layers. Astronaut Wang Jie stated that the outermost layer was protective, with two pressure-bearing layers remaining intact, which ensured cabin pressure stability.

"The outermost layer was protective, with two pressure-bearing layers remaining intact, which ensured cabin pressure stability."

Ground teams initiated response measures, and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) expedited a porthole crack repair device to the launch site. Astronauts installed this device inside the Shenzhou-20 capsule to enhance its heat protection and sealing capabilities for reentry. The Shenzhou-20 crew safely returned to Earth on November 14, 2025, using the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. Shenzhou-21 had simultaneously transported a replacement crew to the Tiangong station.

Uncrewed Shenzhou-20 Module Retrieval

Following the crew's return, the damaged Shenzhou-20 return capsule remained attached to the space station. It was later deorbited uncrewed, parachuting into the Dongfeng landing site in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on January 19, 2026. Recovery teams at the landing site encountered frigid temperatures and strong winds.

The main parachute of the uncrewed capsule did not automatically detach upon landing, necessitating intervention by ground personnel to prevent the capsule from being dragged. An on-site inspection determined the exterior of the Shenzhou-20 return capsule was generally intact, and internal items were in good condition. The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft spent a total of 270 days in orbit.

Shenzhou-22 Mission Details

The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft was launched on November 25, 2025, and successfully docked with the Tiangong space station. Its mission objective includes providing a return vehicle for astronauts who arrived at the station on November 1, with their return anticipated in 2026. The spacecraft also transported various supplies, including space food, medical provisions, and devices.

Tiangong Space Station Background

The Tiangong space station, translated as "Heavenly Palace," has been under construction by China's space program for several years, with modules being added incrementally. The station hosted its first crew in 2021. Its development follows China's exclusion from the International Space Station (ISS), a decision linked to U.S. national security concerns regarding military control of China's space program. The Tiangong station is comparatively smaller than the ISS, which has been operational for 25 years.

Expert Observations

Jan Osburg, a senior engineer at RAND, observed similarities between the Shenzhou-20 incident and issues previously experienced by the U.S. Boeing Starliner capsule within approximately one year. Both instances resulted in the affected capsules returning to Earth safely. Osburg noted China's launch of a backup spacecraft within weeks.

"Both cases underscore the significance of having space rescue capabilities available."