🚀 Collision in orbit: the timeline of the Chinese rescue mission

You are in orbit, ready to return to Earth after a long mission, when a simple routine check reveals something unusual on your capsule's window. This is exactly what the Chinese crew of Shenzhou-20 encountered, faced with unexpected cracks that triggered the first emergency operation in China's manned spaceflight program.

Commander Chen Dong was the first to observe these triangular marks on the windowpane during the final inspections before the return. His first impression was that a leaf was stuck to the outside, but the reality of the space environment quickly dispelled that idea. He immediately alerted his colleagues, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, all three of them then in the preparatory phase for their return to our planet.


Wang Jie, the flight engineer, clarified that the window structure includes several layers of protection, which limited immediate concerns. He also mentioned his confidence in the ground teams, accustomed to carefully analyzing each situation before making a decision. This methodical approach helped maintain a relatively serene atmosphere aboard the Tiangong space station, despite the unforeseen event.

Subsequently, ground controllers quickly developed a rescue plan, always prioritizing the safety of the taikonauts. They decided to urgently prepare the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, launched uncrewed to deliver supplies and a special repair device. This cargo shuttle docked with the station, allowing for the transfer of supplies to extend the orbital stay and the tools needed to secure the damaged capsule.

To precisely assess the damage, the crew notably used a portable microscope allowing for 40x magnification. The observations confirmed the presence of several cracks, some of which went through the entire thickness of the window. This data was transmitted to engineers to refine the return procedures, while validating the use of the replacement spacecraft.

Finally, the return to Earth was carried out aboard the Shenzhou-21, the spacecraft originally intended for the relief crew. This solution allowed the three taikonauts to return to the ground safely, leaving the damaged capsule attached to the station. Later, it was brought back automatically, finally landing in a region of Inner Mongolia under difficult weather conditions.

This incident highlighted the importance of available solutions for orbital rescue. The seriousness and responsiveness of the Chinese side was noted, with the launch of a rescue spacecraft within a few weeks.