Tianzhou 8 (Chinese: ) is the planned 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 will be launched from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan, China on a Long March 7 rocket.

Tianzhou 8
Tianzhou 1 model
A Tianzhou 3D model
Mission typeTiangong space station resupply
OperatorCNSA
Websitewww.cnsa.gov.cn
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 dateNovember 2024 (planned)[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 dateNovember 2024

Mission history

edit

Payload

edit

Tianzhou 8 will deliver bricks made from lunar regolith simulant to Tiangong for testing in space.[2]

Spacecraft

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "CHINESE LAUNCH MANIFEST". Retrieved 10 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Chinese astronauts will test sample bricks for moon research base". 8 September 2024.