破晓——中国载人航天首次应急行动始末

Core Viewpoint - The article details China's first emergency response action in manned spaceflight, highlighting the challenges faced by the Shenzhou 20 mission after a space debris incident and the subsequent measures taken to ensure the safety of the astronauts and the success of the mission [1][6]. Group 1: Incident and Response - A piece of space debris struck the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft, leading to the discovery of a crack in the outer layer of the spacecraft's window, which prompted an immediate emergency response [3][5]. - The emergency response mechanism was swiftly activated, involving multiple teams across various locations including Beijing, Jiuquan, and Shanghai to analyze the situation [4][5]. - A consensus was reached during a critical meeting that prioritized astronaut safety and mission success, resulting in the decision to delay the return of the Shenzhou 20 mission [6][8]. Group 2: Safety Assessments and Preparations - Simulations and tests were conducted to assess the impact of the crack on the spacecraft's ability to safely re-enter the atmosphere, with various experiments being performed to replicate the damage [7][8]. - A comprehensive safety assessment report was prepared, incorporating findings from multiple experiments and expert opinions to evaluate the return strategy for the astronauts [8][9]. - The mission control decided to launch an emergency backup mission, Shenzhou 22, to ensure the safety of the astronauts and facilitate their return [9][10]. Group 3: Execution of Emergency Launch - The emergency launch process was initiated, compressing the timeline for testing and preparation of the backup rocket and spacecraft to just 16 days [10][19]. - The team faced significant time constraints and resource challenges, leading to a collaborative effort across various departments to ensure all necessary preparations were completed on time [12][18]. - The Shenzhou 22 spacecraft was successfully launched on November 25, 2025, demonstrating the effectiveness of the emergency response protocols [19][20]. Group 4: Successful Return and Future Prospects - The Shenzhou 20 crew successfully returned to Earth on November 14, 2025, after overcoming the challenges posed by the initial incident [13][19]. - The successful return highlighted the dedication and resilience of the Chinese space program, reinforcing the commitment to astronaut safety and mission integrity [19][21]. - Looking ahead, the article emphasizes the potential advancements in China's manned space missions, including long-term stays in space and lunar exploration, as part of the ongoing development of the country's space capabilities [20][21].