China is preparing to launch the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on 25 November 2025, according to reports from state broadcaster CCTV. The mission comes amid urgent efforts to restore normal operations at China’s Tiangong space station after a recent series of complications.
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Why the Early Launch?
The decision to send up Shenzhou-22 without a crew follows a serious incident earlier this month: Shenzhou-20, the craft that was meant to return three astronauts home, reportedly suffered damage from space debris, leaving its window compromised.
Because of this, the Shenzhou-21 capsule—which had already delivered a fresh trio of astronauts to Tiangong—was repurposed to bring Shenzhou-20’s team back earlier than planned. That swap, however, meant the new crew on Tiangong was left without a dedicated return vehicle, a highly unusual situation for China’s space station.
Launching Shenzhou-22 now is intended to plug this gap. The vehicle is expected to deliver food, supplies, and emergency return capabilities for the astronauts currently onboard.
The Launch Details
- Date & Time: Targeted for 25 November 2025, launching from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
- Rocket: Long March 2F.
- Cargo: The spacecraft will be empty of crew but is packed with life support supplies, food, and equipment needed on Tiangong.
- Mission role: Acts as a lifeboat for the Shenzhou-21 crew and restores a safety vessel for future missions.
What Happens Next
With Shenzhou-22 ready to launch, China’s next crewed mission, believed to be Shenzhou-23, is still expected around April 2026, once all systems are back to normal, per Reuters.
Meanwhile, experts are closely watching what will happen to the damaged Shenzhou-20 capsule. Some suggest it could be undocked from Tiangong and sent into a controlled re-entry over the Pacific Ocean.
Bigger Picture: Risks in Orbit Are Growing
The incident underscores a growing concern in space: debris risk. With more assets in low Earth orbit, even small bits of junk can compromise vital spacecraft, according to The Guardian.
For China, the quick pivot to launch an empty return capsule highlights how seriously its space agency takes safety and backup planning. According to reports, ground teams have already begun full system checks, testing of hardware, and cargo preparation for the Shenzhou-22 mission.
The upcoming unmanned launch of Shenzhou-22 is a critical manoeuvre by China to shore up the safety of its Tiangong crew and restore reliable access to its space station. With orbital debris becoming an increasing danger, this mission is more than just routine—it’s a calculated response to a serious risk.
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