China successfully launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft at 12:11 pm on Tuesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking the country’s first emergency launch in the history of its manned space program, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The mission was initiated after the Chinese Space Station encountered its first major unexpected emergency when the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft was hit by space debris, disrupting its planned return.
In an improvised rescue effort, the Shenzhou-20 crew used the docked Shenzhou-21 spacecraft to return to Earth, while ground teams rushed to prepare Shenzhou-22 for launch.
Minutes after liftoff, CMSA confirmed that Shenzhou-22 had separated from its Long March carrier rocket and entered its designated orbit, declaring the mission a complete success.
According to earlier reports, Shenzhou-22 is carrying a full load of cargo—including food supplies for the taikonauts and equipment for the space station. The spacecraft can deliver about 600 kilograms of materials, enough to sustain the Shenzhou-21 crew as they complete their mission and ensure their safe operations in orbit.
On Monday, authorities also unveiled the mission logo for Shenzhou-22. While maintaining the visual style of previous space mission emblems, the new design incorporates emergency-response elements to highlight the core theme of “using aerospace capability to safeguard life,” Xinhua reported. The logo blends China’s aerospace identity with cultural symbolism, featuring the Great Wall as a foundational motif to represent the nation’s commitment to astronaut safety.
The color scheme includes blue for aerospace technology, red for responsibility and mission, and orange to denote rapid emergency response. Observers also noted the inscription “TGYJ1/SZ-22,” referring to the “Tiangong Emergency-1 / Shenzhou-22” mission designation.
