China has successfully completed its first emergency space mission, addressing safety concerns at its crewed space station after damage to a vessel in orbit. The unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at 12:11 local time (3:11 AEDT) on Tuesday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The mission’s launch was confirmed successful by the CMSA, which stated, “The spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket and entered its planned orbit.” Video footage released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV depicted the rocket ascending into space, showcasing Earth in the background as the vessel achieved orbit. Docking with the Tiangong space station occurred at 15:50 (6:50 AEDT).
Prior to this emergency mission, the Shenzhou-20 vessel was scheduled to return three Chinese astronauts to Earth on November 5, 2023. However, a crack in its return capsule’s window, likely caused by space debris, rendered it unfit for flight. Consequently, the CMSA had to deploy the remaining flightworthy vessel, Shenzhou-21, which had arrived at the space station in late October with a new crew of astronauts.
The early departure of Shenzhou-21 created a critical situation, leaving the crew onboard the Tiangong without a functioning spacecraft for 11 days. The successful arrival of Shenzhou-22 has mitigated this safety risk.
CMSA official He Yuanjun remarked on the significance of the mission, stating, “This emergency launch is a first for China, but I hope it will be the last in humanity’s journey through space.”
The Shenzhou-22 mission carried essential supplies, including medical resources, spare parts for the Tiangong, and equipment to repair the cracked window on Shenzhou-20, which remains docked at the space station. The shipment also included fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside items such as chicken wings, steak, and cake, which astronauts can prepare using a “space oven” aboard Tiangong.
The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft is expected to remain docked at the station until approximately April 2026, when it will facilitate the return of the Shenzhou-21 crew back to Earth.
The successful execution of this emergency mission underscores China’s growing capabilities in space exploration and highlights the importance of safety measures in the evolving landscape of human spaceflight.
