China’s space program is making history again! The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft will return to Earth without crew this week following a dramatic space debris collision, officials announced today. 🛰️
Astronauts Safe After Emergency Maneuver
Last month, three astronauts originally assigned to Shenzhou-20 were swiftly relocated to the Shenzhou-21 capsule after ground teams spotted penetrating cracks in their spacecraft’s viewport. They landed safely on November 14 – a testament to China’s "astronaut safety first" ethos. 👨🚀👩🚀
Emergency Launch Makes History
In a first for China’s space program, the Shenzhou-22 was launched on November 25 as a backup return vehicle. Meanwhile, the current Shenzhou-21 crew might soon conduct a spacewalk inspection of the damaged window using tools delivered by the new capsule. 🔧
Microscopic Threat, Massive Implications
The culprit? A space debris particle smaller than a grain of sand traveling at hypervelocity. Chief designer Jia Shijin revealed wind tunnel tests show even tiny impacts could potentially cause cabin depressurization – making the uncrewed return crucial for safety data collection. 💥
Unexpected Space Mice Adventure
Four rodent astronauts got an extended orbital vacation! Originally scheduled for 5-7 days, the mice stayed two weeks aboard Shenzhou-21 before returning in perfect health. 🐭 Their extended stay provides valuable biological data for future missions.
