Rundu: China launched the Shenzhou-22 spaceship from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 12:11 p.m. (Beijing Time) on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone as the country's first emergency launch mission in its manned space program. The launch was deemed a complete success by the China Manned Space Agency.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the spaceship entered its designated orbit approximately 10 minutes after launch, separating from the rocket as planned. Shenzhou-22, which is flying without a crew, is carrying a payload of space food, medical supplies, fresh produce, and devices intended to repair a cracked window on the Shenzhou-20 spaceship.

The mission involves the spaceship autonomously conducting a fast-track rendezvous and docking with the space station complex. Shenzhou-22 will eventually serve as the return vessel for the three astronauts currently aboard Shenzhou-21.

The return mission for the astronauts aboard Shenzhou-20 was initially set for November 5 but faced delays due to a suspected impact with debris. In response, the Long March-2F Y22 rocket and the Shenzhou-22 spaceship, which were already on standby, were quickly prepared for launch, completing a 16-day emergency launch sequence.