- China launched an uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on a Long March-2F rocket on Tuesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, which successfully docked at the Tiangong space station.
- The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, currently docked at Tiangong, sustained damage to the return capsule, likely by space debris, rendering it unsafe for the return journey to Earth.
- This left the three astronauts (Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, Zhang Hongzhang) currently on Tiangong stranded without a flightworthy return vehicle in case of emergency.
- Shenzhou-22 delivered medical supplies, spare parts, and equipment to repair Shenzhou-20. The crew is reported to be safe.
- This marks China’s first emergency space launch, demonstrating rapid deployment capability. The launch was executed just 16 days after the decision.
China Launches First Emergency Mission to Tiangong Space Station
