Tag: Shenzhou-20
-
Despite initial setbacks, Chinese spaceflight expected to see exciting 2026
The new year has not started well for China, with two failures among its first six launches. Even so, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year, with numerous new launch vehicles — including several reusable designs — expected to debut, and a realistic prospect of the country’s first propulsive landing of an orbital-class…
-
China to Launch Unmanned Shenzhou-22 to Restore Backup Capability at Tiangong Space Station
China will launch the unmanned Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on Tuesday, its space authorities said on Monday, marking an effort to restore normal operations at the Tiangong space station after a damaged vessel forced an unexpected reshuffling of mission schedules. The Shenzhou-22 will replace the Shenzhou-21 return craft, which was brought back to Earth six months earlier…
-
China prepares to launch uncrewed Shenzhou as maiden launches slip for commercial launch providers
China is preparing to launch an uncrewed Shenzhou spacecraft as its astronauts shuffle missions following damage to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, while the Tiangong station prepares to greet its first international visitor in 2026. Meanwhile, commercial launch providers continue to make progress toward maiden launches, though a number have slipped into early next year. Furthermore, a…
-
China Accelerates Launch of Backup Shenzhou Spacecraft After Damage to Docked Capsule
China is preparing to launch its next Shenzhou spacecraft to the Tiangong space station ahead of schedule after damage to a docked return capsule disrupted routine crew operations, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Saturday. The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft—originally planned for launch in mid-2026—will now be sent uncrewed roughly six months early to restore an emergency return…
-
Chinese Astronauts Land Safely After Debris Damage Forces Unplanned Return Shift
Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Friday after their trip home was delayed when space debris struck their spacecraft last week, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) disclosed the extent of the damage for the first time, saying that “tiny cracks” were discovered in a small window of the…
-
Chinese Astronauts to Return on Replacement Spacecraft After Debris Strike, CMSA Says
Three Chinese astronauts will return to Earth on Friday using a different spacecraft after space debris struck their return vessel last week, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said. The crew, part of the Shenzhou-20 mission that began in April, had been scheduled to return on Nov. 5 before what CMSA described as a “suspected…
-
Surge in static fires as China’s space sector gains momentum
As China’s launch cadence continues to accelerate, so too has the pace of engine testing in recent weeks. A growing number of commercial launch providers are edging closer to the maiden flights of new vehicles — several of which are still on track to debut before the end of the year. Meanwhile, taikonauts aboard the…
-
China launches three taikonauts to Tiangong, commercial sector continues to expand
China has launched its ninth crewed mission to the Tiangong space station, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the launch of Dongfanghong-1, the country’s first satellite. Meanwhile, China has achieved the world’s first network of satellites using a distant retrograde orbit (DRO) in Earth-Moon space, with its DRO-B satellite completing a final manoeuver this month.…
-
Launch Roundup: China launches crew, Falcon 9 launches Bandwagon rideshare and 250th Starlink mission
This week, China has launched three taikonauts to the Tiangong space station. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 had four flights scheduled, with its third Bandwagon rideshare mission followed by three more Starlink missions, including its 250th dedicated Starlink flight. United Launch Alliance successfully launched its first batch of operational Kuiper satellites aboard an Atlas V 551 rocket.…