Photo: Created by Forrest XYC , photoshopped by Ib · CC BY-SA 4.0
About this launch
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…
More about this launch
Flight profileThe climb, seen from the side · 3D replay on the globe
Launch window and padJiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
- Site
- Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Rocket and boosterLong March 2F/G
- Vehicle
- Long March 2F/G
- Reusable
- no
Long March 2F/G: specs, record and next flights → CASC: all its launches →
MissionHuman Exploration · LEO
Human Exploration · LEO
What it put in orbit4 catalogued objects
| Object | Type | Orbit | Globe |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHENZHOU-8 (SZ-8) 2011-063A | Payload | re-entered 2011-11-17 | |
| CZ-2F R/B 2011-063B | Rocket body | re-entered 2011-11-08 | |
| CZ-2F DEB 2011-063C | Debris | re-entered 2011-11-06 | |
| SZ-8 MODULE 2011-063D | Payload | re-entered 2012-04-02 |
COSPAR ID 2011-063. Orbits from the CelesTrak satellite catalogue (perigee × apogee, inclination).
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