China marked another leap in its ambitious space program as the Long March-2F Y22 rocket carrying the Shenzhou-22 crewed spacecraft launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on November 25, 2025. The morning liftoff in the Gobi Desert signals progress toward completing the nation's permanent space station, with this mission expected to conduct critical technical verification and scientific experiments.
This launch follows the successful Shenzhou-21 mission earlier this year, demonstrating China's growing capabilities in human spaceflight. Aerospace engineers emphasize the mission will test new docking procedures and life support systems essential for long-term orbital operations. The three-person crew is scheduled to spend six months aboard the station's core module.
Observers note the 2025 timeline aligns with China's goal to establish a fully operational space station as the International Space Station approaches its planned retirement. The development holds implications for global space collaboration and commercial opportunities in low-Earth orbit research.
