China has launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft on its first-ever emergency mission to return three astronauts stranded at the Tiangong Space Station. The Long March-2F Y22 rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Launch Center at 12:11 p.m. local time, with Shenzhou-22 entering orbit about 10 minutes later.
The uncrewed spacecraft is carrying food, medical supplies, and repair equipment and will serve as the return vehicle for the stranded crew.