China to Launch Unmanned Shenzhou-22 to Restore Space Station Operations
China will launch the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on November 25, marking a key step toward stabilising operations at its Tiangong space station after an earlier vessel was damaged, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Monday. The move aims to restore normal conditions for China’s manned spaceflight programme, which faced disruption earlier this month.
Replacing the Damaged Shenzhou-21
The Shenzhou-22 will travel to Tiangong to replace the Shenzhou-21, which had to return to Earth six months ahead of schedule following damage to another docked vessel, the Shenzhou-20. The early withdrawal left Tiangong and its crew of three astronauts without a standby spacecraft for 10 days — the first such incident since the station became fully operational in late 2022.
Experts say the new mission will reduce risk for the astronauts currently aboard. The fate of the damaged Shenzhou-20 remains uncertain, though analysts believe Chinese space authorities could undock and de-orbit it safely over the Pacific Ocean to prevent debris hazards.
Launch from Jiuquan Centre
As with previous missions, Shenzhou-22 will lift off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China, according to state news agency Xinhua. Unlike its predecessors, the mission will be uncrewed, as Tiangong’s maximum long-term capacity is three astronauts.
This decision helps ensure the space station remains within operational limits while maintaining a reliable transport and evacuation capability. China’s next manned mission, expected in April next year, is likely to be the Shenzhou-23.
Managing Space Station Capacity and Safety
Earlier in November, damage to the Shenzhou-20 forced its crew to remain aboard Tiangong for nine extra days alongside the incoming Shenzhou-21 team, bringing the total number of astronauts to six — the maximum the station can sustain. The Shenzhou-22 mission is therefore viewed as a crucial measure to restore regular rotation and safety protocols aboard Tiangong.
The latest launch highlights China’s continued progress in maintaining its independent orbital station, which serves as a platform for long-duration scientific research and future deep-space missions.
with inputs from Reuters
