China Executes First-Ever Emergency Shenzhou Launch to Rescue Tiangong Crew

China Launches Shenzhou-22 on Emergency Mission to Secure Tiangong Return Route

China has undertaken an unprecedented emergency spaceflight with the launch of the uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft , aimed at providing a safe return option for astronauts currently aboard the Tiangong space station . The mission was activated after a damaged return capsule temporarily left the crew without a functioning re-entry vehicle.

Launch Executed Under Rapid Response Timeline

The spacecraft was launched aboard a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu at 12:11 p.m. on 25 November . Hours later, Shenzhou-22 completed orbital insertion and docked successfully with Tiangong, restoring evacuation capability for the crew that arrived earlier this month on Shenzhou-21.

Technical Trigger: Shenzhou-20 Capsule Crack

The mission followed a critical failure involving the Shenzhou-20 return module , which developed a crack in one of its windows — most likely from orbital debris impact. The defect resulted in a nine-day delay in the previous crew’s return, requiring them to depart onboard Shenzhou-21, which was originally meant for their replacements. As a result, the newly arrived astronauts were left without an immediate ride home , compelling the emergency deployment.

Operational Goals and Duration

Along with serving as a backup return craft, Shenzhou-22 delivered repair kits, life-support consumables and replacement hardware. The spacecraft will remain docked until April 2026 , when it is scheduled to return the current crew safely to Earth. This marks China’s first contingency launch of a human-rated spacecraft, executed within an accelerated 16-day preparation window.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Shenzhou-22 launched unmanned as an emergency return vehicle.

• Tiangong space station has been crewed continuously since 2021.

• Damage to Shenzhou-20 was caused by probable orbital debris impact .

• Backup launch readiness is mandatory under China’s human-spaceflight protocol.