Overview
- China’s human spaceflight program confirmed the November 25 launch of Shenzhou 22 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
- State media reported the spacecraft rode a Long March 2F rocket and achieved its planned orbit, with officials declaring the launch a success.
- Authorities indicate Shenzhou 22 is planned as the Earth‑return craft for the crew currently aboard Tiangong on the Shenzhou 21 mission.
- Shenzhou 21, carrying three astronauts, docked with the Tiangong space station on November 1.
- The latest planning follows reports that Shenzhou 20 may have been struck by space debris, cracking a window and prompting that crew’s November 14 return aboard Shenzhou 21.