China's Shenzhou-20 spacecraft remains operational in orbit after a minor window crack was detected on November 5, 2025, marking one of the most significant in-orbit emergencies for the Chinese space program this year. A Chinese space technology expert recently detailed how millimeter-sized space debris caused the damage, emphasizing the escalating challenges of orbital safety as low-Earth orbit becomes increasingly congested.
The incident has accelerated efforts to enhance spacecraft protection systems, with the Shenzhou-22 mission delivering specialized repair equipment and materials to address the issue. This rapid response underscores China's growing capabilities in orbital maintenance and crisis management amid global concerns about space sustainability.
Analysts note that the event highlights vulnerabilities shared by all spacefaring nations, with over 130 million debris fragments currently tracked in Earth's orbit. The Chinese mainland's space agencies have called for international collaboration to develop standardized debris mitigation protocols, while continuing to advance domestic research on next-generation shielding technologies.
