China has launched the Shenzhou 22 spacecraft on a rescue mission to the Tiangong space station, ensuring a safe return for three astronauts left stranded after their original ride home was damaged.
The situation arose when the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft, which carried a previous crew to the station, suffered damage—reportedly to its window—and was deemed unsafe for the return journey. That crew used the newly arrived Shenzhou 21 spacecraft to get home, but in doing so, temporarily left the current station crew without an assured vehicle for an emergency return.
The successfully docked Shenzhou 22 will now serve as the lifeboat and dedicated return vehicle for the three astronauts who arrived on November 1st. They are scheduled to use it for their return to Earth in 2026. The damaged Shenzhou 20 capsule will be brought back to Earth unmanned for analysis.
This incident highlights the challenges of China’s ambitious, independently-run space program. The Tiangong station was developed after China was excluded from the International Space Station, and its operations are a key point of national pride.
By James Kisoo
