Chinese astronauts stranded on Shenzhou-20 space station to return on replacement crew's spacecraft
Posted on: Nov 14, 2025 07:21 IST | Posted by: Livemint
A three-person crew stranded at China's blank send after their blank vehicle was reportedly strike by space debris are preparing to return on Friday using the craft that brought their replacement crew.
The three astronauts — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie — travelled to the Tiangong space station in April.
According to state media, the three astronauts were on a six-month rotation at the space station and were scheduled to return four days after the new crew arrived on November 1.
However, their return was aborted after their Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was believed to have been struck by a small piece of space debris.
“They are coming back using the Shenzhou-21 craft instead,” state media said.
China's Manned Space Engineering Office said that the astronauts were “in good condition, working and living normally”.
China has made steady progress with its space program since 2003. It has built its own space station and has a goal of landing a person on the moon by 2030. They also intend to construct a base on the lunar surface.
“Our fixed goal of China landing a person on the moon by 2030 is firm,” the CMSA said.
The latest Shenzhou-21 mission brought mice for experiments, a first for China's space program. The four lab mice, two male and two female, were to be the subjects of China's first in-orbit experiments on rodents.
The Tiangong space station, also known as “Heavenly Palace”, is the crown jewel of China's space programme.
The country has invested billions of dollars in it in an effort to catch up with the United States and Russia, following its exclusion from the International Space Station due to US national security concerns over the Chinese space programme's direct link to the People's Liberation Army.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.