Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-11 23:24Core Viewpoint - The successful emergency launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft, following the discovery of a crack in the window, highlights the resilience and rapid response capabilities of China's manned space program [1][2][3]. Group 1: Incident Overview - A crack was discovered on the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft's window during final preparations for its return to Earth, prompting immediate action from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation [2][3]. - The crack was identified as a through-crack, raising significant safety concerns for the astronauts [3][4]. Group 2: Emergency Response - An emergency response was initiated, involving a team of experts to assess the impact of the crack and conduct necessary tests to ensure astronaut safety [5][6]. - The decision was made to delay the return of the Shenzhou 20 crew, prioritizing safety over schedule [5][6]. Group 3: Mission Adjustments - The crew of Shenzhou 20 was reassigned to return on the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft, with the Shenzhou 22 mission scheduled for launch shortly after [7][9]. - The return method was modified from a five-orbit to a three-orbit rapid return, marking a significant technical achievement under pressure [7][9]. Group 4: Launch Preparations - The launch of Shenzhou 22 required extensive coordination among various teams, with a compressed timeline for preparation due to overlapping missions [10][11]. - The teams maintained high standards despite the urgency, ensuring that all safety protocols were followed [12][13]. Group 5: Successful Launch - On November 25, 2025, the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft was successfully launched, completing the emergency mission with a focus on safety and precision [12][13]. - The successful return of the Shenzhou 20 crew and the launch of Shenzhou 22 demonstrated the effectiveness of China's emergency response capabilities in space exploration [14][15].