China has once again confirmed its dominance in space. On Tuesday at 12:11 Beijing time, the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft successfully launched aboard a Long March-2F rocket from the Jiuquan Space Centre in the north-west of the country. Approximately ten minutes after launch, the spacecraft was in its planned orbit, ready for automatic docking with the Chinese space station.
The Shenzhou-22 mission is crucial not only for its technology, but also for supplying the space station. The spacecraft carries food for the taikonauts, medical supplies, fresh vegetables and spare parts. Also important is special equipment designed to repair a crack in the window of the Shenzhou-20 return module, which was discovered during the last mission.
Shenzhou-22 represents several important milestones in China's space programme: it is the 38th manned flight mission, the 610th launch of a Long March rocket, and the first demonstration of the programme's emergency launch capability. This „one launch, one backup“ system ensures maximum crew safety and flexibility during space operations.
The previous Shenzhou-20 mission had to be postponed due to minor cracks in the return module caused by microscopic space debris fragments. Thanks to quick action and thorough testing, it was ensured that the return of the Shenzhou-20 crew would not be jeopardised, and the spacecraft will remain in orbit for further experiments. Meanwhile, the Shenzhou-21 crew continues its work on the space station and is in good health.
With this launch, the Chinese space programme has confirmed its readiness for emergency situations and its ability to maintain continuous support for crews in space. Shenzhou-22 is not only a technological triumph, but also further proof that China is aiming high and safely.
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