Shenzhou-21 Spacecraft Undocking Before Crew's Earth Return | China Space Station
China's Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft undocked from the space station combination at 11:14 on November 14, 2025, (Beijing Time) to send the Shenzhou-20 astronauts back to Earth, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Friday, safely taking the three-member crew back home.
During a talk program of the China Media Group (CMG), Zhou Yaqiang, a technology official from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), explained the reasons for using the Shenzhou-21 instead of launching a new spacecraft to take the astronauts back to Earth.
"There are two main factors. First, the technical specifications of the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft are consistent with those of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, and the Shenzhou-20 crew had previously undergone trainings on the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, making them quite familiar with it. In contrast, the instruments on the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft have been optimized and improved. Second, the Shenzhou-20 crew had completed their scheduled in-orbit missions, and we wanted to bring them back to the Earth as quickly as possible. Ultimately, it was all to ensure the return mission is flawless and that the astronauts are absolutely safe," said Zhou.
Li Guangsu, an astronaut from the Shenzhou-18 crewed mission, provided insight into the preparations Shenzhou-20 crew made for a safe and comfortable return aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft.
"For astronauts, the process of returning aboard a different spacecraft this time involves transferring relevant materials from the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft to the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. Another crucial task is replacing the seat cushions on the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, as these cushions are custom-made to fit each astronaut's individual measurements," Li said.
The Shenzhou-20 crew was sent into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on April 24.
Their return, originally scheduled for Nov. 5, was postponed due to a suspected impact to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft from tiny space debris, according to the CMSA.
In response, emergency protocols were immediately activated, and a comprehensive simulation analysis, testing and safety assessment of the Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft were conducted to determine the safest course for the astronauts' return.
Following the review, the CMSA announced that the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft no longer meets the stringent safety standards required for re-entry. As a result, it will remain in orbit to continue the relevant experiments.
Next, the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft will be launched at an appropriate time, said the CMSA.
Duration: 32 seconds
Release Date: Nov. 14, 2025
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