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China’s Rapid Response Saves Astronauts from Potential Stranding at Tiangong Space Station
BEIJING, China – China’s uncrewed Shenzhou-22 space vessel successfully docked with the Tiangong space station on Tuesday morning, averting a critical situation that could have left three Chinese astronauts stranded in orbit. The emergency mission was triggered after a piece of space debris rendered one of the two docked Shenzhou capsules unsafe.
The Chinese space agency launched the Shenzhou-22 vessel on Tuesday, a swift response to replace the damaged craft. This mission highlights the effectiveness of China’s “one-for-one, rolling backup” strategy, which officials praised as a testament to the program’s rapid response capabilities and ability to manage emergencies.
“The entire project team responded calmly and scientifically, with all participating research and testing units working together to overcome difficulties,” stated officials at China Manned Space. “Within 20 days, they steadily and efficiently completed tasks such as risk analysis and assessment… providing a successful example for the international aerospace field in efficiently responding to emergencies.”
The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft is not just a replacement; it also carries a specialized device to address the crack in the Shenzhou-20 window, along with essential supplies like space food, medical provisions, fresh fruits and vegetables, and spare parts for the space station.
The incident began on October 31, when China launched its Shenzhou-21 mission, sending three astronauts to Tiangong for a six-month stay. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by the three-member Shenzhou-20 crew, who were scheduled to return to Earth on November 5.
However, a pre-departure inspection of the Shenzhou-20 capsule revealed a “minor crack” in its window glass, likely caused by space debris. This discovery prompted officials to delay the crew’s return to conduct further experiments and ensure the spacecraft’s safety.
Ultimately, the Shenzhou-20 astronauts returned home aboard the Shenzhou-21 capsule on November 13. As they made their four-hour journey back to Earth, the space agency was already preparing for the emergency launch of a replacement capsule.
The successful launch and docking of Shenzhou-22 on November 25, just hours after its launch, effectively replaced the Shenzhou-21 crew’s spacecraft, preventing them from being stranded for an extended period. Officials noted that this emergency experience “fully demonstrates the advantages of the new national system” and verified the “scientific reliability of the ‘one-for-one, rolling backup’ for China’s space station mission.”
Looking ahead, agency officials plan to prepare another backup emergency launch rocket for future contingencies. Meanwhile, the damaged Shenzhou-20 will remain docked at the station for further experiments, analysis, and a potential repair of its cracked window.