For the first time since their nail-biting return to Earth, China’s Shenzhou-20 astronauts faced the press in Beijing Aerospace City. Chen Tong, Chen Chongrui, and Wang Xie detailed a mission fraught with peril, dominated by a space debris strike that forced an emergency spacecraft switch.

Departing on April 24, 2025, the crew spent months in orbit, advancing biomedical research and station maintenance. Their homecoming was set for November 5, but disaster struck during inspections: a window crack, attributed to orbital debris collision, prompted an immediate halt to re-entry plans.

Experts on the ground confirmed the breach’s severity, leading to a strategic transfer on November 14 to the Shenzhou-21 craft. They landed safely at Tongfeng, capping a sequence of flawless maneuvers that included Shenzhou-22’s docking with the space station.

In vivid accounts, the astronauts described the debris incident. ‘It was a split-second decision to prioritize safety,’ Wang Xie noted, praising the real-time support from mission control. They opened up about the rigors of space life – weightless workouts, intricate experiments, and the awe of Earthrise views.

This event spotlights the perils of crowded orbital highways, where debris travels at bullet speeds. China’s program shone through, demonstrating unmatched efficiency and safety protocols. As the nation eyes Mars and beyond, the Shenzhou-20 saga bolsters confidence in its space dominance.

The press conference not only humanized these orbital pioneers but also signaled Beijing’s commitment to sustainable space exploration amid escalating global clutter.