The three Shenzhou-20 taikonauts — Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie — made their first official public appearance in Beijing after returning safely to Earth following a suspected space debris strike that cracked a window on their return capsule. [1]
The crew briefed reporters on the emergency response after the crack was found during final pre-return checks. Chen Dong photographed the damage and sent the images to ground control, the crew said. They later transferred to the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft and landed safely. [1]
The taikonauts said China's manned space program enabled the transfer and return process in about 20 days. The report said Shenzhou-22 later docked successfully with the space station after the capsule swap and return. [1]
Chen Dong, China's most experienced spacewalker, has carried out 6 extravehicular activities and logged more than 400 days in orbit, according to the report. The crew also recalled eating roasted chicken wings and steak in orbit, calling it "space barbecue." [1]
The appearance came 63 days after the crew returned via transfer to Shenzhou-21. [1]
