On Friday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft is not fit for a crewed return after tiny cracks were discovered in the return capsule's viewport window, most likely caused by an external impact from space debris.
These cracks compromise the capsule's safety standards for re-entry, so the spacecraft will remain in orbit to carry on its scheduled scientific experiments, the CMSA said.
The agency did not provide a timeline for repairs or for the astronauts' return, noting only that investigations into the damage are underway.
The CMSA emphasized that astronaut safety is its top priority and promised to share further updates once the assessment is complete.
Reference(s):
China's Shenzhou-20 spacecraft found unfit for crewed return
cgtn.com
