In a demonstration of China’s growing expertise in human spaceflight, astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-21 mission conducted their first extravehicular activity (EVA) on December 9, 2025, focusing on inspecting the damaged Shenzhou-20 spacecraft docked at the Tiangong space station. This spacewalk, lasting approximately eight hours, addressed concerns stemming from a space debris strike that rendered the Shenzhou-20 unfit for crewed return, highlighting the increasing risks of orbital debris in low Earth orbit.
Details of the Spacewalk
The EVA involved commander Zhang Lu and rookie astronaut Wu Fei, who became the youngest Chinese national to perform a spacewalk at age 31. Supported by fellow crew member Zhang Hongzhang from inside the station, along with the station’s robotic arm and ground control teams, the astronauts exited the Tiangong’s airlock to carry out a series of critical tasks.
Key activities included a thorough inspection and photography of the Shenzhou-20’s viewport window, which had sustained cracks penetrating the first of its three glass layers due to a micrometeoroid or debris impact. The team also installed a debris protection device on the Tiangong station to enhance its resilience against future strikes, replaced a multilayer cover on a thermal control adapter, and conducted various scientific experiments and technical tests.
The spacewalk concluded successfully at 6:45 p.m. Beijing Time (5:45 a.m. EST), with all objectives met and the astronauts safely returning inside. Video footage of the event, captured by onboard cameras, showcased the meticulous coordination required for such operations in the vacuum of space. For more on the visuals and details, see coverage from Space.com and Xinhua News.
Outcome of the Inspection
The primary focus was the damaged window on Shenzhou-20, which prompted an emergency response earlier in the mission. The inspection confirmed the extent of the damage – a crack caused by high-velocity space debris – but provided engineers with valuable data and imagery to assess the spacecraft’s condition more accurately. No immediate repairs were detailed, but protective measures may have been applied during the EVA. A specialized patch, delivered via the uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft launched on November 24, 2025, is set to safeguard the window for Shenzhou-20’s planned uncrewed reentry.
This incident echoes similar events in international space programs, such as the coolant leak on Russia’s Soyuz MS-22 in 2022 due to a micrometeoroid strike, underscoring the universal challenge of space debris. The findings from this spacewalk will inform how cracked structures perform during atmospheric reentry, potentially improving spacecraft design and safety protocols.
Implications for China’s Space Program and Beyond
The successful spacewalk not only resolved immediate concerns but also reinforced China’s capability to handle in-orbit emergencies. The Shenzhou-20 crew had already been safely returned to Earth on November 14, 2025, using the Shenzhou-21 vehicle, while Shenzhou-22 now serves as the return option for the current crew, expected to conclude their six-month mission in spring 2026.
This event highlights the growing threat of orbital debris, with over 36,000 tracked objects larger than 10 cm in low Earth orbit, traveling at speeds up to 17,500 mph. As China expands its space presence, including plans for lunar missions and international collaborations, such inspections will become routine to mitigate risks. Analysts suggest this could accelerate advancements in debris shielding and monitoring technologies globally.
