China Sends Emergency Shenzhou-22 Mission After Spacecraft Damage Leaves Crew Vulnerable
BEIJING: In response to a damaged return spacecraft that rendered three astronauts stranded without an emergency escape option, China launched its first emergency space mission on 25 November.
The uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft blasted off atop a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan launch site at 12:11 p.m., the CMSA confirmed.
CCTV footage captured the ascent, showing Earth receding in the backdrop as Shenzhou-22 entered orbit.
The emergency mission became necessary after Shenzhou-20 — the crew’s original return craft — was found unfit due to a cracked window caused by space debris impact.
To address the situation, China earlier deployed Shenzhou-21 to retrieve replacement astronauts, leaving the station without a backup vehicle.
Shenzhou-22 carries replacement parts for Tiangong, tools to repair Shenzhou-20 and fresh provisions.
It will stay docked until April 2026 to bring home the Shenzhou-21 astronauts.
Since 2021, China has conducted regular six-month crewed rotations to Tiangong.
-wilayah.com.my/
