Overview
- A Long March-2F lifted off from Jiuquan at 12:11:42 p.m. Beijing Time (04:11:42 UTC), and CMSA said Shenzhou-22 separated from the rocket and reached its planned orbit.
- The spacecraft will autonomously dock with Tiangong to serve as the emergency return vehicle for the Shenzhou-21 crew and deliver cargo including spare parts, repair equipment and fresh food.
- CMSA says Shenzhou-22 is expected to remain docked until about April 2026, when it will bring the current three astronauts back to Earth.
- Shenzhou-20, which suffered a cracked descent-module window suspected from space debris, remains attached to the station with its eventual disposition yet to be decided.
- Officials described the flight as China’s first emergency launch-on-need mission, executed on an accelerated timeline, underscoring rising orbital debris risks and contingency planning.