China has successfully launched its first emergency mission to the Tiangong space station. The unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft lifted off atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at 12:11 pm (0411 GMT) on Tuesday.
The launch was prompted by safety concerns after the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft’s return capsule window cracked, suspected to be caused by space debris. This left the three astronauts aboard Tiangong without a flight-ready vehicle to return to Earth in an emergency.
Video footage shared by Chinese state media showed the rocket ascending into orbit, with Earth visible in the background. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed that Shenzhou-22 successfully separated from its rocket and entered the planned orbit, calling the mission a “complete success.”
Shenzhou-22 carries spare parts, repair equipment for Shenzhou-20, and fresh food supplies, including fruits and vegetables. After docking, the spacecraft will remain at Tiangong until around April 2026, when it will transport the Shenzhou-21 crew back to Earth.
CMSA officials emphasized that the mission demonstrates China’s ability to quickly respond to emergencies in space. With the carrier rocket and spacecraft already at the launch center, the emergency operation was executed in just 16 days.
China’s rapid response contrasts with previous incidents in other countries, where astronauts faced extended stays due to technical issues. Experts say China’s swift actions highlight its focus on crew safety and operational efficiency at Tiangong.
Since 2021, Shenzhou missions have sent astronauts to Tiangong for six-month rotations. With Shenzhou-22 now docked, the station has a reliable backup vehicle, reducing risks for the resident crew.
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This successful mission reinforces China’s commitment to maintaining Tiangong as a permanently crewed space station while ensuring astronaut safety. It also showcases China’s growing capabilities in space technology and emergency preparedness.
