China has initiated preparations for the launch of the unmanned Shenzhou XXII spacecraft, which will deliver essential supplies and equipment to the Tiangong space station. Zhou Yaqiang, a senior engineer at the China Manned Space Agency, confirmed that all systems involved in the mission are undergoing rigorous testing and preparation. The spacecraft, originally intended to transport the Shenzhou XXII crew in April 2026, has been repurposed as a standby crew ship following the unexpected use of the Shenzhou XXI spacecraft for the return of the Shenzhou XX astronauts. The Shenzhou XX crew, who spent a record-breaking 204 days in orbit, returned safely to Earth despite minor damage to their capsule’s viewport window, likely caused by space debris. The astronauts are now in medical quarantine and will undergo comprehensive health evaluations before meeting the media. Additionally, four mice that accompanied the Shenzhou XXI mission to Tiangong have returned to Earth and are being studied by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. These studies aim to provide insights into the effects of space environments on living organisms. Other biological and scientific samples from the mission are also being analyzed to advance space research.