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Chinese Launchers / Re: Shenzhou-20 - CZ-2F/G - JSLC - April 24, 2025 (09:17 UTC)

« Last post by TheKutKu on Today at 07:35 pm »

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The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's return capsule was packed full. You could see that the packed extravehicular activity suits occupied two seats, and the problematic porthole was also sealed off from inside the capsule.

Reentry footage from ground: https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5256740711890992?from=old_pc_videoshow
Reentry footage onboard the Service module: https://twitter.com/i/status/2013115361067958782

Short documentary: https://www.weibo.com/detail/5256903169938453 https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5256901836079123?from=old_pc_videoshow

Official statement from JSLC:

https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/mRCQp3QjsnPvCis83uSJXw

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According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, at 9:34 AM Beijing time on January 19, 2026, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's return capsule successfully landed at the Dongfeng Landing Site. On-site inspection confirmed that the Shenzhou-20 return capsule's exterior was generally normal, and the items inside were in good condition. The Shenzhou-20 return mission was a complete success.

The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on April 24, 2025, and successfully docked with the space station. Its return was delayed in early November due to a suspected impact from small space debris, and it remained in orbit to conduct related experiments. At 00:23 on January 19, 2026, the spacecraft undocked from the space station and returned unmanned. The spacecraft's on-orbit time reached 270 days, verifying its ability to remain in orbit for nine months.

To mitigate the risks of Shenzhou-20's reentry, on December 9, 2025, the Shenzhou-21 astronaut crew utilized an extravehicular activity (EVA) to take close-up photos of the Shenzhou-20 reentry capsule's porthole using a high-definition camera, further confirming the condition of the porthole crack. Furthermore, in conjunction with the emergency launch of Shenzhou-22, a porthole crack repair device was expedited and sent to the launch site. Astronauts installed the device inside the Shenzhou-20 capsule, effectively improving the spacecraft's heat protection and sealing capabilities during reentry.

It is reported that after discovering a suspected impact to the Shenzhou-20 porthole, the mission command quickly organized simulation analysis and experimental verification, decisively adjusting the mission plan and activating the emergency response plan. On November 14, the Shenzhou-20 astronaut crew safely returned aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. On November 25, the emergency launch of Shenzhou-22 was carried out, marking the first successful emergency launch in China's manned spaceflight history. Currently, the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, which will take over the rolling backup mission, has arrived at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, and the Long March-2F Y23 carrier rocket is about to be shipped. With the return of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, all major tasks of this emergency space operation on the Chinese space station have been successfully completed.

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[Extravehicular Activity Suit B Returns with Shenzhou-20 Spacecraft: First Extravehicular Activity Suit to Achieve Extended Service Life in 4 Years and 20 Operations] This morning, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft successfully returned to Earth at the Dongfeng Landing Site. Among the items that descended with the Shenzhou-20 return capsule were an extravehicular activity suit that had exceeded its service life and several large components of the space application system. Before the extravehicular activity suit B left the space station, the Shenzhou-21 crew astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang offered their blessings to this special "comrade-in-arms."

Astronaut Zhang Lu: Today we are bidding farewell to an old comrade-in-arms who made a huge contribution to the space station's extravehicular activities—the retired extravehicular activity suit B. I myself wore it during four extravehicular activities in the Shenzhou-15 mission, and it accompanied us in setting the record for the most extravehicular activities by a crew at that time. Thank you for this meritorious extravehicular activity suit. During the Shenzhou-15 mission, you fought alongside me four times, and I don't know how many times you held the hook. Thank you for your hard work!

Although astronauts Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang did not perform extravehicular activities (EVAs) in their EVA suits, they still paid tribute to the "meritorious" suits.

Astronaut Wu Fei: "The journey of exploration will not stop. Although it has left the space station, it will continue to fulfill new missions, providing research opportunities for scientists and contributing new strength to technological advancement and the manned spaceflight program. EVA suit B, although I couldn't accompany you to experience the beautiful space scenery, I was fortunate to witness your outstanding performance in various missions. Please rest assured. I will also carry out every future EVA well."

Astronaut Zhang Hongzhang: "Every stitch and every component of the EVA suit B embodies the wisdom and hard work of numerous researchers. Now, you have successfully completed your mission. We will continue to work hard on the space station, hoping to achieve even better performance in future EVAs. Farewell is for a better future. May you continue to witness humanity's cosmos and our continuous ascent to new heights in Chinese spaceflight while you rest." Astronaut Zhang Lu: On January 2, 2026, we will disassemble the EVA suit B on the space station, which will later be brought back to Earth aboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft.

EVA Suit B Achieves Life Extension Goal with 20 Extravehicular Activities in 4 Years

The EVA suit B was launched on May 29, 2021, aboard the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft, and was first used for extravehicular activities (EVAs) on the Chinese space station in July of the same year. Since its launch, the EVA suit B has been used by 11 astronauts in 8 manned spaceflight missions, becoming the first EVA suit on the Chinese space station to achieve the "4 years, 20 extravehicular activities" life extension goal.

Shenzhou-12 astronaut Tang Hongbo was the first astronaut to wear the EVA suit B during an EVA, which for the first time tested the functionality and performance of the new generation of EVA suits, the collaborative working ability between astronauts and the robotic arm, and the reliability of the EVA support equipment, laying the foundation for subsequent missions.

Astronaut Tang Hongbo: I still vividly remember my first flight into space and my first spacewalk. It was the first spacewalk mission for the Chinese space station, and also the first spacewalk using the EVA B suit. As a newcomer, performing a spacewalk in the vacuum of space at an altitude of nearly 400 kilometers was inevitably nerve-wracking. The EVA service had to continuously provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide for the astronauts during the more than seven-hour spacewalk, while shielding them from the nearly 100-degree Celsius heat in the sunlit areas and the nearly -50-degree Celsius cold in the shaded areas. Throughout the entire spacewalk, the parameters of the EVA B suit remained stable, giving me immense courage. Now, I feel like I'm looking forward to an old comrade returning home. This suit has the signatures of me and many other astronauts who wore it and performed spacewalks before their missions. I look forward to taking another photo with the EVA B suit, because it is a witness to the rapid development of China's space program.

On August 15, 2025, the Shenzhou-20 crew successfully completed their third extravehicular activity (EVA). During this mission, astronaut Chen Dong's EVA B suit had been used for a total of 20 EVAs, becoming the first EVA suit on the Chinese space station to achieve the "4 years, 20 times" lifespan extension target. Astronaut Chen Dong is the astronaut who has worn the EVA B suit the most times, having worked alongside it six times.

Astronaut Chen Dong said: "I have a very strong emotional connection to this suit. From the first time I wrote my name on its back, we reached a tacit understanding. I cherish it, and it protects me; we truly achieved 'man and suit as one.' I was very careful with every test and very serious with every operation, treating it like a friend. And it performed exceptionally well, working stably without any problems. It was precisely because of this that it perfectly passed all the lifespan extension tests. Fortunately, we successfully completed our 20th EVA together, fulfilling our mission." I want to say to it: "Congratulations on your glorious retirement! Thank you. China's manned space program will remember you."

On December 17, 2024, Shenzhou-19 astronaut Song Lingdong, wearing his EVA B suit, conducted his first personal extravehicular activity (EVA), working with astronaut Cai Xuzhe for over nine hours, breaking the record for the longest single EVA by a Chinese astronaut.

Astronaut Song Lingdong: "Our EVA suits are 'protective fortresses' independently developed by our country. Every EVA is protected by them. With the assistance of ground personnel, we successfully completed tasks such as handling EVA fault payloads, installing protective panels, and conducting EVA inspections, and also set a world record for nine-hour EVAs. Before entering the cabin, I happened to catch the sunrise. I saw a red sun bursting forth from the darkness, and I even had a visual illusion, feeling like I was about to melt, and then the darkness was instantly dispelled. I was both shocked and thinking, thank goodness I had this suit protecting me." The extravehicular activity (EVA) suit is not only the source of our confidence and strength during extravehicular activities, but also a microcosm and embodiment of countless astronauts. Protected by it, we were able to successfully complete our EVA missions, and it has made me deeply appreciate the weight and glory of this profession. EVA suit B is about to be retired, and I want to say to it: "Goodbye, old friend, thank you for your constant protection. I will always remember the time we fought side by side."

The researchers involved in the development of the EVA suit also sent their blessings to EVA suit B.

https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5256928251543587?from=old_pc_videoshow

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[Shenzhou-20 Spacecraft Return: Key Procedures Entirely Reliant on Ground Commands - Detailed Explanation of Mission Technological Changes] At 9:34 AM today, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's return capsule successfully landed at the Dongfeng Landing Site. On-site inspection confirmed that the capsule's exterior was generally normal, and the items inside were in good condition. The Shenzhou-20 return mission was a complete success. What technological changes were there in this unmanned return compared to previous manned returns?

Compared to manned returns, in this mission, key procedures in the spacecraft's flight control were entirely dependent on ground commands, eliminating manual operation by astronauts.

Li Liang, Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center: The Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft has been in orbit for nine months, making it the longest-staying Shenzhou manned spacecraft in my country to date. This is the first unmanned spacecraft return during our entire space station phase. Under these circumstances, the quality and characteristics of the supplies are different from previous manned missions, and it also carried some relatively large payloads. In response to this situation, before the astronauts return and during the material transfer process, we need to pay attention to balancing the spacecraft's mass and maintaining its center of mass characteristics to ensure stability during the reentry process.

Furthermore, the Beijing Flight Control Center reviewed and verified all flight control plans and contingency plans for the unmanned return scenario. Given the long-term orbital period, special inspections including platform checks and engine maintenance were completed before reentry to fully confirm the spacecraft's status.

● Shenzhou-20 spacecraft uses a 5-orbit rapid return method with high landing accuracy

In early November 2025, due to a suspected impact of small space debris causing a crack in the porthole, Shenzhou-20's return was delayed, and it remained in orbit to conduct related experiments. Finally, at 00:23 today, the spacecraft evacuated the space station and returned to Earth unmanned using a 5-orbit rapid return method.

Shao Limin, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation: The five-round return procedure mainly includes several stages:

▲Return preparation stage: mainly includes gyroscope calibration, orbit determination, and return control parameter calculation; these are all part of the return preparation.

▲Return landing process mainly includes: return attitude adjustment, separation of the orbital module and the return capsule, and establishment of braking attitude.

▲Braking engine activation to reduce the spacecraft's orbit and speed, allowing it to enter the atmosphere.

▲After the return capsule enters the atmosphere, the parachute system of the recovery subsystem begins operation at an altitude of approximately 10 kilometers.

▲The spacecraft's return capsule lands by parachute; today's landing accuracy is relatively high, all at the predetermined landing points.

▲The ground search and rescue team arrived at the scene immediately. The return capsule is in an upright position, which is quite rare. The overall appearance of the return capsule is good. (CCTV)

https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5256934270369832?from=old_pc_videoshow

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[Extravehicular Activity Suit B to be Used for Lunar Suit Research After Return to Earth; May Be Publicly Displayed After Scientific Mission] The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's return mission was a complete success today. Items that descended with the Shenzhou-20 return capsule included an extended-life extravehicular activity suit and several large components of the space application system.

The extravehicular activity suit is a core piece of equipment for astronauts during extravehicular activities, ensuring their safety and efficient operation. After being exposed to the space environment, the materials of the Extravehicular Activity Suit B will be affected by various extreme conditions. Upon return to Earth, it will play a significant role in extravehicular activity research.

According to design standards, the extravehicular activity suit for the Chinese space station has a service life of "3 years of in-orbit storage, during which it will be used at least 15 times." Through in-depth analysis of in-orbit and ground test data and extensive material-level and product-level verification tests, dynamic and precise assessment of the extravehicular activity suit's in-orbit health and lifespan extension has been achieved, making the extravehicular activity suit the first flight product to undergo in-orbit lifespan assessment and extended service life.

Zhang Wanxin, China Astronaut Research and Training Center: Currently, my country's spacesuit technology has achieved a leap from catching up to keeping pace internationally. The first batch of extravehicular activity (EVA) suits has been in orbit for nearly four and a half years, demonstrating flexibility and efficiency in performance assurance, effectively supporting 46 EVA missions. It has achieved volumetric efficiency enhancement, significantly increasing the duration of single-mission operations; the longest EVA has exceeded nine hours, setting an international record. A system for assessing the health status of EVA suits in orbit and standards for extending their service life have been established, successfully extending the lifespan of a batch of EVA suits from 3 years and 15 missions to 4 years and 20 missions.

Experts explained that the experience gained from previous EVA suit use has been applied to the latest D and E E E EVA suits launched. EVA suit B, after its return to Earth, will continue to be used for scientific research.

Li Jinlin, China Astronaut Research and Training Center: After the return to Earth, we will further analyze the suits, develop relevant solutions for disassembly, and then conduct related tests. We will analyze the shortcomings of this suit after such a long service life, hoping to extend the service life of subsequent suits. In-orbit service, achieving maximum efficiency under the premise of reliable and safe operation.

Liao Qianfang, China Astronaut Research and Training Center: We may conduct related experiments and research on improvements and lifespan extensions for future suit development, providing data to better support astronauts' extravehicular activities.

Zhang Wanxin, China Astronaut Research and Training Center: This work is very valuable for the development of lunar suits. Different technologies can be referenced in design, production, and experimental verification, laying a solid foundation for the development of lunar suits.

Since its deployment, the Extravehicular Suit B has been used by 11 astronauts in 8 manned spaceflight missions, becoming the first extravehicular suit to achieve the "4 years, 20 uses" lifespan extension target for my country's space station. It is undoubtedly a star in the hearts of many Chinese space enthusiasts. After completing its research mission, it may be publicly exhibited in the future.

Zhang Wanxin, China Astronaut Research and Training Center: As everyone has seen, the flight suit B has many astronauts' signatures on its back. It embodies the spirit of continuous struggle and independent innovation of generations of aerospace workers, and it also witnesses the process of building our space station. I believe it is not only the pride of our design team, but also the pride of manned spaceflight, and even more so, the pride of all Chinese people. I firmly believe it will be unveiled to the public at the appropriate time. (CCTV)

https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5256937197993998?from=old_pc_videoshow

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[How to Repair the Cracked Porthole of Shenzhou-20? Does a Spacecraft Must Have a "Window"?] According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, at 9:34 AM today, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's return capsule successfully landed at the Dongfeng Landing Site. On-site inspection confirmed that the Shenzhou-20 return capsule's exterior was generally normal, and the items inside were in good condition. The Shenzhou-20 return mission was a complete success.

● Facing the Challenges of Space: Reinforcing the Shenzhou-20 Porthole

During this return mission, the most concerning issue was the cracked porthole of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft. The astronauts installed a porthole crack repair device inside the capsule. This mission also accumulated valuable experience for China's space program in dealing with space debris impacts. How was the porthole repaired?

It is reported that the Shenzhou spacecraft's return capsule porthole uses a three-layer composite glass structure. The outermost layer is a heat-resistant window, specifically designed to withstand the ablation of temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Celsius during atmospheric reentry. When a through-crack was discovered in the glass, the engineering team assessed that it posed a potential threat to reentry safety. Therefore, the decision was made for the Shenzhou-20 crew to transfer to the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft for reentry.

Shao Limin, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation: Because its function dictates that it must have a smooth aerodynamic shape, it's impossible to make additional patches.

Given the impracticality of external repairs, the team ultimately decided on a reinforcement plan from within the capsule. A specialized disposal device was transported up to Earth via the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft, launched on November 25, 2025. Subsequently, the astronauts installed it inside the Shenzhou-20 reentry capsule, effectively improving heat protection and sealing capabilities during reentry. Today, this reentry capsule, "enduring damage," landed safely, with its exterior intact and its contents undamaged.

Shao Limin, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation: Currently, everything seems to be in line with expectations. We are actually more concerned about how to improve the portholes subsequently. We want to strengthen the porthole structure; it must be able to withstand space debris. Further improvements may be needed to strengthen the monitoring of even smaller pieces of space debris. Large and medium-sized debris will primarily be avoided, while small debris will rely mainly on the strength of the spacecraft's window structure. These improvements will be made in the future.

●Why must a spacecraft have "windows"?

Some viewers may wonder if, given how fragile windows are, not having them on the spacecraft would prevent collisions with space debris and potential emergencies. In fact, spacecraft windows are not only for astronauts to observe the outside world, but also crucial equipment for ensuring life safety in emergencies; they are an indispensable part of the spacecraft.

The primary function of the Shenzhou spacecraft's windows is safe observation. Whether it's an emergency escape during launch or an emergency return mission, astronauts need to directly observe the landing environment outside the return capsule through the windows to assess any risks. Therefore, windows are essential.

Shao Limin, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation: If there is an escape during launch, after the return capsule lands, the astronauts need to observe whether the landing environment is flat. If the astronauts don't look outside and only feel that the return capsule has landed before cutting off the parachute, it could potentially cause secondary injuries. Emergency reentry could occur in domestic or international landing areas, such as deep forests, canyons, or hillsides. Therefore, the primary function of the reentry capsule is for astronauts to observe whether it is safe outside.

The second crucial function of the porthole is as a final backup for attitude determination. In the extreme case of a failure of the spacecraft's automatic attitude control system, astronauts can observe the Earth's curvature and the position of the stars through the porthole and manually control the spacecraft to restore a stable attitude.

Shao Limin, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation: Therefore, the second function of the porthole is as an observation instrument; astronauts use the porthole to observe conditions in outer space. Both of these functions are irreplaceable, hence the porthole's unique characteristics. (CCTV)

https://weibo.com/tv/show/1034:5256951634788491?from=old_pc_videoshow

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