Overview
- Shenzhou-22 lifted off at 12:11 p.m. local time on November 25 and docked roughly three-and-a-half hours later, reinstating a safe return option for Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang.
- The station operated for about 10–11 days without a flightworthy lifeboat after Shenzhou-21 was used to bring the previous crew home on November 14.
- CMSA says Shenzhou-22 will remain attached until around April 2026 to return the current crew, resetting the normal six-month rotation timeline.
- The spacecraft delivered supplies, medical items, and tools to address the cracked Shenzhou-20 viewport, as the damaged vehicle stays docked for later recovery and assessment.
- Officials called the rapid launch China’s first emergency response of its kind, noting a 16-day preparation and confirming the crew is in good condition.