China plans to launch the uncrewed Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on Nov. 24 to serve as a backup lifeboat for the Shenzhou-21 crew aboard the Tiangong space station.

The mission follows damage to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft by space debris, which prevented its safe return to Earth.

Shenzhou-22 will carry supplies for the astronauts and equipment for Tiangong but will launch without a crew, ahead of its originally scheduled 2026 mission.

The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft remains in orbit but is deemed unsafe for crewed return due to a cracked viewport window that could compromise reentry, Space News has reported.

Meanwhile, the Shenzhou-20 astronauts returned safely to Earth on Nov. 14 and will undergo quarantine, medical exams, and recovery in Beijing.