Shenzhou 22 facts for kids
| Mission type | Tiangong space station crew transport |
|---|---|
| Operator | China Manned Space Agency |
| Mission duration | 2 days, 4 hours and 22 minutes (in progress) 165 days (planned) |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft type | Shenzhou |
| Manufacturer | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation |
| Crew | |
| Launching | None |
| Landing |
|
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 25 November 2025, 04:11:45 UTC (12:11:45 CST) |
| Rocket | Long March 2F |
| Launch site | Jiuquan, LA-4/SLS |
| Contractor | China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology |
| End of mission | |
| Landing date | 2026 (planned) |
| Landing site | Inner Mongolia, China |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Low Earth orbit |
| Inclination | 41.5° |
| Docking with Tiangong space station | |
| Docking port | Tianhe Forward |
| Docking date | 25 November 2025, 07:50 UTC |
| Undocking date | 2026 (planned) |
| Time docked | 2 days and 43 minutes (in progress) |
|
China Manned Space Program
|
|
Shenzhou 22 (pronounced "Shen-zhoh 22") is an exciting Chinese space mission. It is currently flying to the Tiangong space station. This mission is special because it launched without a crew. It carries important supplies and a return vehicle for astronauts already living on the station. The name "Shenzhou" means "Divine Boat" in Chinese. This flight is the 22nd mission in China's program to send people into space.
Contents
About Shenzhou 22: China's Space Mission
Why Shenzhou 22 Launched Early
Original Plans for Shenzhou 22
The Shenzhou 22 mission was first planned for April 2026. It was meant to launch after the Shenzhou 21 crew finished their time in space. China's space agency, CMSA, had a special plan for this mission. One astronaut from the Shenzhou 22 crew was expected to stay in space for over a year. This longer stay would have allowed a Pakistani astronaut to visit the station later. That visit would have been part of the Shenzhou 23 mission.
Unexpected Changes and a New Plan
Things changed suddenly in November 2025. The CMSA announced a delay for the Shenzhou 20 spacecraft's return. A small crack was found in one of its windows. Experts thought space debris might have caused this damage. Because of this, the Shenzhou 20 astronauts needed another way to come home. They used the Shenzhou 21 spacecraft instead. This meant the Shenzhou 21 crew, who were still on the station, no longer had their own ship to return in.
On November 15th, news reports suggested a new plan. China Central Television later confirmed this. The Shenzhou 22 mission would launch without a crew. It would fly earlier than planned. This new plan allowed the Shenzhou 21 crew to complete their full six-month mission. Shenzhou 22 would bring them a safe ride home.
The Shenzhou 22 Mission in Space
Journey to the Tiangong Station
The Shenzhou 22 spacecraft launched on November 25, 2025. It lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. A powerful Long March 2F rocket carried it into space. The spacecraft flew without any astronauts on board.
After its launch, Shenzhou 22 successfully docked with the Tianhe core module. This is the main part of the Tiangong space station. Shenzhou 22 is planned to stay at the station for about six months. Its main job is to bring the Shenzhou 21 crew safely back to Earth.
Who Will Return on Shenzhou 22?
The Shenzhou 22 spacecraft will bring home the crew of the Shenzhou 21 mission. These brave astronauts are:
| Position | Launching crew | Landing crew |
|---|---|---|
| Commander | None | Zhang Lu Second spaceflight |
| Flight engineer | None | Wu Fei First spaceflight |
| Payload specialist | None | Zhang Hongzhang First spaceflight |
This mission ensures that astronauts have a safe way to return from space.
See also
In Spanish: Shenzhou 22 para niños
