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China to Launch Shenzhou-22 to Tiangong on Nov. 25 to Restore Crewed Operations

China is scheduled to launch the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft to the Tiangong space station on November 25. The mission aims to restore normal crewed operations following a docking-related incident in early November. Shenzhou-22 will replace Shenzhou-21, which returned to Earth six months ahead of schedule after damage to another docked vehicle. Ground teams will monitor docking and transfer procedures to confirm the station's systems are functioning normally.

China plans to launch the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on November 25, state media reported. The mission is intended to restore routine operations at the Tiangong space station and return the country's crewed flight programme to normal after a docking-related incident in early November.

Shenzhou-22 is scheduled to rendezvous and dock with the Tiangong complex to replace Shenzhou-21. Shenzhou-21 was compelled to return to Earth six months earlier than planned after another docked vessel sustained damage during operations in early November.

The upcoming flight represents a step toward stabilizing operations aboard Tiangong and ensuring continuity in China's human spaceflight activities. Ground teams will monitor the approach, docking and transfer procedures closely to verify the station's systems and crew support functions are fully operational.

Key details

- Launch date: November 25 (scheduled)
- Mission: Shenzhou-22 to dock with Tiangong and replace Shenzhou-21
- Context: Shenzhou-21 returned early after docking damage to another craft in early November

Reported by Eduardo Baptista; Edited by Jan Harvey.

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