Success
Shenzhou-8 & Shenzhou-8-GC
Human Exploration
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC)GovernmentLong March 2F/G
LEOorbit
This is the first docking mission for China's Shenzhou program. Being the first spacecraft to visit the Tiangong-1 space station, it was launched without crew to demonstrate spacecraft rendezvous and docking techniques. The spacecraft docked automatically to the station on 2 November 2011. A second undocking and re-docking to test accuracy and reliability of equipment and sensors in a bright environment was performed on 14 November 2011. Shenzhou 8 undocked on 17 November 2011 and landed safely back on Earth the same day.
Monday, October 31, 2011 at 9:58 PM
Mission details
The Shenzhou program is a crewed spaceflight initiative by China. The program put the first Chinese citizen, Yang Liwei, into orbit on 15 October 2003.
Jan 1, 1993 — ongoing
Orbital Attempt
#5,172
CASC Mission
#95
Pad Launch
#9
Location Launch
#56
Designator
2011-063
Launch Window
NET
Oct 31, 2011, 9:58 PM
Schedule Changes
1 update
Long March 2F/G Specs
The Long March 2F is a Chinese orbital carrier rocket, part of the Long March 2 rocket family. Designed to launch the crewed Shenzhou spacecraft, the Long March 2F is a human-rated two-stage version of the Long March 2E rocket, which in turn was based on the Long March 2C launch vehicle. It is launched from complex SLS at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The Long March 2F/G version includes longer boosters for increased lift capability, among other improvements.
Length
62 m
Diameter
3.35 m
Launch Mass
464 t
LEO Capacity
8,399 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
2011
Fastest Turnaround
24d 12h
Total Launches
22
Successful
22
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
22
Maiden flight: Oct 31, 2011
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
Founded
1999
Administrator
Chairman & President: Lei Fanpei
Total Launches
592
Successful
577
Failed
15
Pending
9
Consecutive Success
18
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Local Launch Time
Nov 1, 2011, 5:58 AM
Total Launches
286
Total Landings
2
Coordinates
40.9581, 100.2911