China has launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft without astronauts on board, continuing its policy of preparing a backup rocket for every manned space mission to ensure crew safety in the event of an emergency. The practice allows Chinese astronauts to avoid becoming stranded in orbit for extended periods should their primary return vehicle become unusable.

The Shenzhou-22 serves as the backup for the ongoing Shenzhou-21 mission currently docked at the Tiangong space station. China’s approach gained renewed attention after the Shenzhou-20 crew faced a delayed return due to a collision with space debris, forcing mission planners to adjust schedules and have the astronauts return aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft instead.

With the launch now complete, Shenzhou-22 will remain available to eventually bring the three Shenzhou-21 astronauts safely back to Earth. Officials say this redundancy system is a key component of China’s long-term crewed spaceflight strategy, helping ensure the reliability and safety of operations aboard the Tiangong station.