Shenzhou-22 Undocks from Tiangong Space Station, Shenzhou-21 Crew Set for Return
Summary: At 14:44 CST (06:44 UTC) on May 29, 2026, the Shenzhou-22 crewed spacecraft successfully undocked from the Tiangong Space Station complex. The Shenzhou-21 crew — Zhang Lu (commander), Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang — who have spent nearly seven months in orbit since their October 31, 2025 launch, are now beginning their journey back to Earth. The Shenzhou-23 crew officially took over operations of the space station after the undocking.
Undocking and Crew Return Preparations
According to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), Shenzhou-22 undocked from the Tiangong Space Station complex at 14:44 Beijing Time (06:44 UTC) on May 29, 2026. The Shenzhou-21 crew launched aboard Shenzhou-22 on October 31, 2025, marking the beginning of their nearly seven-month long-duration mission.
Prior to undocking, the Shenzhou-21 crew completed comprehensive departure procedures: configuring the space station complex for automated operations, downloading experiment data, clearing and transferring materials for orbital preservation, and handing over station operations to the Shenzhou-23 crew.
The Shenzhou-21 crew consists of Zhang Lu (Commander), Wu Fei (02), and Zhang Hongzhang (03). During their mission, the crew carried out numerous space science experiments and technical tests, performed routine space station maintenance and equipment replacements, and maintained the complex in excellent operating condition.
Dongfeng Landing Area Prepared
The Shenzhou-21 crew's return destination is the Dongfeng Landing Area in Inner Mongolia. On May 27, the landing area completed its second full-system integrated rehearsal, fully testing the organizational command, coordination, and emergency support capabilities of the search and recovery mission. All systems are reported to be in good condition and ready to receive the astronauts.
Shenzhou-23 Crew Takes Command
Following the undocking of Shenzhou-22, the Shenzhou-23 crew assumed control of the Tiangong Space Station. The Shenzhou-23 crew successfully docked with the station on May 25, 2026, and includes China's first Hong Kong astronaut, Li Jiaying. Tiangong Space Station is now under normal operations by the Shenzhou-23 crew.