China marked another milestone in its space exploration program with the successful launch of the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The mission represents a critical step in advancing the nation's ambitions to complete its Tiangong space station by late 2026.
State media confirmed the Long March-2F rocket carrying three astronauts lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert at 10:18 AM local time. The crew is expected to conduct scientific experiments and test new docking technologies during their six-month orbital mission.
This launch follows China's recent achievements in lunar exploration and Mars rover operations, reinforcing its position as a leading space power. Analysts note the mission's timing aligns with plans to establish permanent crew rotation capabilities aboard the Tiangong station, which currently hosts two laboratory modules.
"This mission demonstrates our commitment to peaceful space exploration and international scientific cooperation," stated a spokesperson from the China Manned Space Agency during the live broadcast. Several foreign astronauts are reportedly undergoing training for future collaborative missions to the Chinese space station.
