Tianzhou 8

Tianzhou 8
Tianzhou 1 model
A Tianzhou 3D model
Mission typeTiangong space station resupply
OperatorCNSA
COSPAR ID2024-211A Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.61983Edit this on Wikidata
Websitewww.cnsa.gov.cn
Mission duration3 days, 8 hours and 48 minutes (in progress)
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftTianzhou-8
Spacecraft typeTianzhou
ManufacturerChina Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Launch mass14,000 kg (31,000 lb)
Payload mass7,400 kg (16,300 lb)
Dimensions10.6 m × 3.35 m (34.8 ft × 11.0 ft)
Power2
Expedition
Space stationTiangong space station
Start of mission
Launch date15 November 2024, 15:13 UTC[1]
RocketLong March 7
Launch siteWenchang Satellite Launch Center, LC-201
ContractorChina Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeLow Earth orbit
Inclination41.5°
Docking with Tiangong space station
Docking portTianhe Aft port
Docking date15 November 2024, 18:32 UTC
Time docked3 days, 5 hours and 29 minutes (in progress)

Tianzhou 8 (Chinese: ) is the eighth mission of the Tianzhou-class uncrewed cargo spacecraft, and the seventh resupply mission to the Tiangong Space Station. Like previous Tianzhou missions, the spacecraft was launched from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan, China on a Long March 7 rocket.

Mission history

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Tianzhou 8 was launched on November 15, 2024, successfully docking with Tiangong after a three-hour flight.[2]

Payload

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Tianzhou 8 delivered 6 tons of supplies and materials to Tiangong, including bricks made from lunar regolith simulant.[3]

Spacecraft

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References

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  1. ^ "CHINESE LAUNCH MANIFEST". Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  2. ^ https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202411/16/content_WS6737cf2cc6d0868f4e8ed089.html
  3. ^ "Chinese astronauts will test sample bricks for moon research base". 8 September 2024.