China to Launch Replacement Spacecraft After Debris Damages Shenzhou 20
China plans to launch an uncrewed Shenzhou 22 spacecraft on November 25 to replace the damaged Shenzhou 20, ensuring the safe return of the Shenzhou 21 crew from the Tiangong Space Station.
China is preparing to launch the uncrewed Shenzhou 22 spacecraft on November 25 to replace the damaged Shenzhou 20, which was struck by space debris while docked at the Tiangong Space Station. The Shenzhou 20 crew, originally scheduled to return on November 5, had to delay their departure due to the damage and eventually returned to Earth aboard the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft on November 14. This left the Shenzhou 21 crew without a return vehicle. The upcoming Shenzhou 22 mission aims to provide a safe return option for the current crew and will also deliver additional supplies to support their ongoing six-month mission. The launch is scheduled from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia.