Shenzhou-22 Return Capsule Lands Safely, Shenzhou-21 Crew Returns After 7 Months in Space
Summary: At 20:11 BJT (12:11 UTC) on May 29, 2026, the Shenzhou-22 return capsule touched down successfully at the Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia, safely returning the Shenzhou-21 crew — Commander Zhang Lu, Flight Engineer Wu Fei, and Payload Specialist Zhang Hongzhang — after nearly 7 months aboard China's Tiangong Space Station. The crew completed China's second-ever three-orbit rapid return, a milestone for the nation's crewed spaceflight program.
The Return
At 19:20 BJT (11:20 UTC), the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Center issued the return command to the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft. The orbital module successfully separated from the return capsule, followed by the return propulsion system's engine ignition to begin the de-orbit burn. The service module then separated from the return capsule, leaving it to re-enter the atmosphere alone.
During re-entry, the capsule passed through the "blackout zone" — the period of communications loss as superheated plasma surrounds the vehicle. At approximately 10 km altitude, the parachute sequence initiated: drag chute first, then the main canopy deployed, dramatically slowing the capsule's descent. The return capsule, gently guided by its main parachute, touched down precisely at the Dongfeng landing site.
Search and rescue teams reached the capsule immediately upon landing. Medical personnel confirmed all three astronauts — Commander Zhang Lu, Flight Engineer Wu Fei, and Payload Specialist Zhang Hongzhang — were in good health, with the crew reporting they felt fine.
Three-Orbit Rapid Return
This mission featured China's second-ever three-orbit rapid return profile, reducing the number of orbits from the traditional five to just three before re-entry. This significantly shortens the total time from space station departure to ground touchdown. The successful application of this technique marks China's entry into a new phase of operational rapid return capability for crewed missions.
Mission Significance
The Shenzhou-21 crew launched aboard Shenzhou-22 on October 31, 2025, and spent nearly seven months aboard the Tiangong Space Station. During their mission, the crew carried out numerous space science experiments and technical tests, performed routine space station maintenance and equipment replacements, and coordinated with ground teams for station operations. Before returning, they formally handed over the "keys" to Tiangong to the Shenzhou-23 crew, who arrived at the station on May 24, 2026.
The Shenzhou-22 return capsule will now undergo post-flight data download and technical inspection, providing valuable lessons for future crewed missions.