China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft returns to Earth broken and unbroken
‘Exceptionally precious’ data gained during unforeseen nine months in orbit to be used for ‘future design improvements’
China’s Shenzhou-20 spacecraft returned to Earth with no astronauts inside – just metal, heat and a cracked window – touching down at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia on Monday.
The hull appeared to be darkened after enduring the intense heat and stress of re-entering the Earth’s atmosphere. But on-site inspections revealed the capsule’s exterior was generally intact and the returned items inside were in good condition, according to Chinese space authorities.
“The spacecraft’s return was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, resulting in an actual in-orbit duration of nine months – a record for China’s crewed missions,” Zheng explained. “Consequently, the operational data accumulated during this extended period is exceptionally precious.”