Chen Dong First from Shenzhou-20 Exits Return Capsule

Earlier today (Friday, November 14, 2025), Chen Dong, commander of the three-member Shenzhou-20 crew, became the first astronaut to exit the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth. The seamless operation saw ground teams greeting the crew and preparing them for health evaluations.

The mission underscores the Chinese space program's advancing expertise in crewed flights. With the safe return of the Shenzhou-20 crew, international observers and tech innovators are eagerly awaiting further research findings and the next scheduled launch later this year.

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First Shenzhou-20 astronaut out of return capsule

cgtn.com