China has accelerated the launch of its uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft to restore emergency return capability for three astronauts currently stationed aboard the Tiangong space station, following damage to the previously docked Shenzhou-20 vehicle.
China launched the unmanned Shenzhou-22 to the Tiangong space station, providing astronauts with a return craft after Shenzhou-20 was damaged by space debris https://t.co/KRt7A0YUPW pic.twitter.com/jHkjGBvA4N
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 25, 2025
According to state broadcaster CCTV, a Long March-2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre shortly after noon local time on Tuesday. The mission, originally scheduled as a crewed launch in 2026, was brought forward after debris compromised Shenzhou-20, rendering it unsafe for human re-entry.
The disruption affected the latest crew rotation, forcing the previous taikonauts to return using Shenzhou-21 and leaving the current crew — Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang — without a flightworthy contingency vessel. The deployment of Shenzhou-22 is intended to fill this critical safety gap and ensure an emergency evacuation option if required.
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Chinese authorities confirmed that operations aboard the Tiangong space station remain stable and that the astronauts are “working normally” as mission continuity is maintained.
The incident represents a rare operational challenge for China’s otherwise rapidly advancing space programme, which has seen significant investment and expansion. Beijing continues to pursue ambitious goals, including sending astronauts to the moon by 2030, as it seeks to strengthen its position among leading global space powers.
Despite the setback, Chinese officials reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining safety protocols and sustaining uninterrupted operations aboard the permanently crewed Tiangong station.
