China's Shenzhou-22 spacecraft has launched an uncrewed resupply mission to the space station, carrying a full range of provisions, effectively putting the "space oven" back in operation. Photo: web

 
China's Shenzhou-22 spacecraft has launched an uncrewed resupply mission to the space station, carrying a full range of provisions, effectively putting the "space oven" back in operation, according to multiple media reports.

At 12:11 pm on Tuesday, China launched the Shenzhou-22 spaceship from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, successfully completing the first emergency launch mission in its manned space program.

Although uncrewed, the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft is fully loaded with supplies. According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, the spacecraft carries space food, medical supplies, and fresh fruits and vegetables - with a full range of staples, side dishes, and snacks. The mission also includes urgently replenished beverages, condiments, and health products. The launch reminded many netizens that just days earlier, the Shenzhou-21 crew made history by using the "space oven" to prepare grilled chicken wings and black pepper steak.

With the resupply from Shenzhou-22, the "space oven" is back in operation.

According to the office, in addition to sizzling grilled meats, taikonauts can now look forward to enjoying aromatic zero-gravity space cakes.

As the first spacecraft of the new batch, Shenzhou-22 has undergone multiple technical upgrades, achieving comprehensive improvements in both functionality and performance. Yet for its debut mission, the upgraded spacecraft is carrying cargo rather than crew.