By Zhao Zhijin- Presenter at CGTN French
Landing vertically and perfectly stable on Earth was the first and most striking impression I retained from the return of the Shenzhou‑21 crew aboard the Shenzhou‑22 return module. In the history of China’s space program, this is not a frequent event: out of 22 successful Shenzhou returns, only five ended with a perfectly vertical landing.
On May 29, 2026, I hosted the special program dedicated to the crew’s return to Earth. As a presenter who has covered multiple spacecraft landings, I was particularly impressed by several remarkable aspects, starting with the perfectly vertical final position of Shenzhou‑22. For the three astronauts, this is the most comfortable and ideal landing posture.
Yet, achieving a flawless vertical landing requires multiple conditions to align: weak winds, flat terrain free of obstacles or large rocks, precise timing of the main parachute release, and perfectly calibrated retro‑rocket firing and capsule posture. In short, it requires some luck but above all solid and reliable technology. Progress in technology reduces dependence on chance.
This is precisely China’s continuous goal: to make space landings less random, more controlled, safer, and more comfortable for astronauts. Today, the probability of a vertical landing has risen to 27%, compared to 18% before the Shenzhou‑12 mission. This improvement stems from advances in high‑precision navigation, accurate landing prediction, optimized return windows, and ultra‑fine weather forecasting. I am convinced that with the ongoing maturation of China’s space technologies, this probability will continue to increase.
Another major breakthrough was the elimination of the communication “black‑out” zone. For a long time, the plasma layer during atmospheric re‑entry completely cut off signals between the capsule and Earth. For several minutes, no data could be transmitted, creating uncertainty for ground teams. This mission marked the first time in China’s manned spaceflight history that communication remained continuous and stable throughout the black‑out phase.
For us journalists and commentators, this was more than a technical advance. It ended the uncertainty during the most dangerous stage of re‑entry. During those crucial minutes, we could monitor the astronauts’ condition, heart rate, and capsule posture in real time. We were no longer mere observers—we shared every step of their return live.
Another striking point, noted by myself and my special guest Professor Sarina from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, was the excellent state of mind of the three astronauts. They were in great shape, smiling, and articulate. Their firm, clear, and energetic voices reflected a well‑managed space mission and a calm, comfortable return.
Furthermore, following the Shenzhou‑20 crew’s return aboard Shenzhou‑21 in November 2025, this mission marked the second official application of the new ultra‑fast return mode. The spacecraft completed only three Earth orbits, with a total return time of just 5.5 hours. This proves that China’s rapid‑return technology is now stable and standardized. Chinese space technology is not only efficient but also smooth and reliable for the crew.
Although I have covered many launches and landings over the years, I remain deeply impressed by these advances, constant progress, and the increasingly stable and refined space system. Each solid step of China’s aerospace convinces us further: the starry sky is no longer a distant frontier, but a path we now travel with confidence and serenity.