China successfully launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft at 12:11 p.m. on Tuesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking the first emergency launch in the history of the country’s manned space program, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The rapid launch followed an unexpected emergency aboard the Chinese Space Station, where the Shenzhou-20 return craft was damaged by space debris, disrupting its planned journey back to Earth.
The Shenzhou-20 crew ultimately returned home using the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, prompting ground teams to rapidly prepare Shenzhou-22 for liftoff.Minutes after launch, CMSA confirmed that Shenzhou-22 had separated from its Long March rocket and entered its designated orbit, declaring the mission a complete success.
Shenzhou-22 is carrying up to 600 kilograms of cargo, including food supplies and equipment to support the Shenzhou-21 crew currently aboard the space station. Its arrival will ensure the crew can safely continue their mission and withdraw smoothly when required.
On Monday, authorities also revealed the mission logo for Shenzhou-22. While maintaining the signature design style of China’s aerospace insignia, the logo incorporates emergency-response themes symbolizing the mission’s swift nature and China’s principle of “using aerospace capability to safeguard life.”
The design integrates national cultural elements such as the Great Wall, representing China’s steadfast commitment to astronaut safety. Its colors carry symbolic meaning: blue for aerospace technology, red for duty and mission, and orange for urgent rescue operations. The inscription “TGYJ1/SZ-22” denotes the “Tiangong Emergency-1 / Shenzhou-22” mission.