Shenzhou XX crew set to return after space debris delay

The Shenzhou XX mission crew, whose return to Earth was delayed due to safety concerns over space debris, is now set to make their journey back today. According to the China Manned Space Agency, the three astronauts—mission commander Senior Colonel Chen Dong, Colonel Chen Zhongrui, and Colonel Wang Jie—will board the Shenzhou XXI spaceship to re-enter the atmosphere and land at the Dongfeng Landing Site in Inner Mongolia. The agency confirmed that the astronauts are in excellent health, and ground teams are finalizing preparations for their safe landing. The Shenzhou XXII spaceship is also scheduled for launch soon to dock with the Tiangong space station, currently occupied by the Shenzhou XXI crew. Originally planned for November 5, the return was postponed after potential impacts from space debris were detected. This mission marks China’s 15th manned spaceflight and the ninth crew to reside on the Tiangong space station.