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China's Piloted Space Programme


Tyneside, UK
2024 Mar 28
Thursday, Day 88

Curated by:
















zarya.info article at the Space Policy Online website
Launches Related to China's Piloted Programme

The table lists all launches in connection with development of China's piloted spacecraft Shenzhou and the space station that it will eventually serve.

Included in the listing are Shenzhou plus the Tiangong, Tianzhou and BanXing satellites and spacecraft. All Shenzhou missions used a CZ 2F rocket launching out of Jiuquan. Tianzhou vehicles were launched atop a CZ 7 launched from the new Wenchang Space Centre.

In 2021 and 2022, China used its new CZ 5B rocket to launch the three. main modules of the Chinese Space Station (Tianhe, Wentian and Megtian) from Wenchang but current plans will still see Shenzhou departing from Jiuquan.


Shenzhou Orbital Modules

For the first mission only, the orbital module remained attached to the re-entry vehicle, undergoing a destructive re-entry following main vehicle retro-fire and its subsequent separation from the descent module.

On missions two through to six, orbital modules were constructed as independent spacecraft so, after separation prior to the main vehicle retro-fire, they pursued independent research missions using onboard sensors.

On the Shenzhhou 7 mission, the orbital module served as an airlock.

Shenzhou 8 was the first serial production spacecraft produced for routine space station support. Its orbital module was, like Soyuz, designed as an entry portal to Tiangong and Tianhe. It was cast off after retro-fire and re-entered naturally through its orbit being pulled lower by air drag.

Space-Track erroneously Catalogues ALL Shenzhou Orbital Modules as payloads.


Orbital Parameters

Since the first Shenzhou entered orbit in 1999 there have been some subtle changes in the orbital inclination used. The first two missions in 1999 and 2001 entered orbits at 42°.6. Shenzhou 3, in 2002, used an orbit with a slightly lower 42°.4 inclination and, until 2008 and Shenzhou 7, it was the norm.

In 2011, following a three year hiatus, Tiangong 1 entered orbit at the new inclination of 42°.8 to start a new phase of orbital operations. Tiangong 2 used the same inclination.

As all Shenzhou missions in this period involved rendezvous with Tiangong, it was natural that they too followed suit.

There was another inclination change, in 2021, to 41°.5 when Tianhe was launched from Wenchang. This will be the standard inclination for many years to come.

The variations are probably driven by events on the ground. They might result from something as simple as new construction in the area of the launch pad or the Space Centre, requiring the launcher to depart on a slightly different azimuth in order to avoid direct overflight. If the explanation is more technical then it may never be known.

The change that occurred in 2021 for the space station was probably due to the layout of the Wenchang Space Centre or the island countries downrange. The extra 1° of inclination to match the old values is probably not achievable with the CZ 5 without overflying something significant within the first minutes of ascent.


List of Missions

This list is extracted from the OrbitalFocus database of launches and orbits, and duplicates entries in the annual launch tables.


1999-061
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
1999 Nov 19, 22:30
Shenzhou 1
1999-061A
25956
Re-entered - 1999 Nov 20
Life 1 day Returned to Earth
Test mission to verify the whole Shenzhou launch, support, tracking and recovery concept, particularly the launch vehicle. Precise launch time: 23:30:07 a.m. Retrofire was Nov 20 at 19:00 UTC and Shenzhou landed in Inner Mongolia at 19:41 UTC. It also carried science equipment and 100 kg of seeds to investigate the effects of the orbital environment. Equipped with two, small, fixed panels of solar cells on each of the service module and orbital module. The orbital module carried a range of engineering and science instrument and remained attached to Shenzhou during retro-fire but was then released and underwent a destructive re-entry.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
1999 Nov 20, 14:3666460.009520533289.8742.60134


2001-001
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2001 Jan 9, 17:00
Shenzhou 2
2001-001A
26664
Re-entered - 2001 Jan 16
Life 7 days Returned to Earth
Engineering test of Shenzhou spacecraft, also carried scientific equipment. Carried animal specimens including six mice, and small aquatic and terrestrial organisms. There were fifteen scientific experiments in the cabin, 12 in the orbital module and 37 externally, including a microgravity crystallography experiment, cosmic ray and particle detectors and a gamma ray burst detectors. To test the voice communication system, pre-recorded audio messages were played back. Retrofire was Jan 16 at 1015 UTC. The Descent Module landed in Inner Mongolia at 11:22 UTC but may have been seriously damaged after an unintentionally hard landing.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2001 Jan 09, 22:3766450.010419733689.8442.58130
2001 Jan 10, 19:5867090.000432933491.1642.58209
2001 Jan 12, 22:0067140.000733134091.2442.58279
Shenzhou 2 Orbital Module
2001-001C
26687
Re-entered - 2001 Aug 24
Life 227 days
Released from Shenzhou 2 2001 Jan 16. Manoeuvred to higher orbit and then orbital decay brought about a natural re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2001 Jan 16, 14:3467160.001233034691.2942.58316
2001 Jan 17, 20:3667740.001038940392.4842.59117
2001 Aug 24, 06:2465250.000714215187.4242.57304


2002-014
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2002 Mar 25, 14:15
Shenzhou 3
2002-014A
27397
Re-entered - 2002 Apr 1
Life 7 days Returned to Earth
Engineering test of Shenzhou spacecraft, also carried scientific equipment. First Shenzhou vehicle to be equipped with a full life support system. Carried 44 experimentsand a video imager that broadcast from one of the portholes. As a communications test, a pre-recorded female voice was transmitted. Landed Inner Mongolia Apr 1 at 08:51 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2002 Mar 26, 01:5567130.000433233891.2342.40272
Shenzhou 3 Orbital Module
2002-014C
27408
Re-entered - 2002 Nov 12
Life 232 days
Released from Shenzhou 3 2002 Apr 1. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry 2002 Nov 12, approx 06:38 UTC over the Indian Ocean off western Australia. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2002 Apr 01, 10:2967130.000733033991.2242.41322
2002 Apr 01, 20:5067340.000335335791.6542.40262
2002 Apr 24, 21:1567060.000532433191.0842.4045
2002 Apr 25, 05:5967630.000438238892.2642.4151
2002 Jun 10, 12:5367420.001035737191.8242.418
2002 Jun 13, 16:1067410.001035636991.7942.4132
2002 Jun 14, 08:4167580.000737638592.1642.41284
2002 Nov 11, 23:5465450.000416416987.8342.40269


2002-061
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2002 Dec 29, 16:40
Shenzhou 4
2002-061A
27630
Re-entered - 2003 Jan 5
Life 7 days Returned to Earth
Engineering an flight qualification test of piloted spacecraft. Landed Inner Mongolia Jan 5 at 11:16 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2002 Dec 29, 23:4766430.010019833289.8042.41131
2002 Dec 31, 00:2767120.000433133791.2142.41170
Shenzhou 4 Orbital Module
2002-061C
27634
Re-entered - 2003 Sep 9
Life 254 days
Released from Shenzhou 4 2003 Jan 5. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2003 Feb 09, 15:2067170.001133134691.3142.4274
2003 Feb 10, 04:4867400.000535936691.7942.42288
2003 Mar 01, 22:0067300.000135135291.5742.42265
2003 Mar 02, 11:1967440.001135937391.8642.41300
2003 Apr 21, 22:1467320.001434436391.6142.42147
2003 Apr 22, 22:5867420.002734638391.8342.41190
2003 Sep 09, 03:5965170.001612814987.2642.40301


2003-045
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2003 Oct 15, 01:00
Shenzhou 5
2003-045A
28043
Re-entered - 2003 Oct 16
Life 1 day Returned to Earth
First piloted mission by Shenzhou spacecraft. Carried a single crew member, Yang Liwei. One onboard experiment involved exposing crop seeds from Taiwan to the orbital environment. Landed in Inner Mongolia Oct 15 at 22:23.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2003 Oct 15, 08:0767130.000133433691.2442.42251
Shenzhou 5 Orbital Module
2003-045G
28049
Re-entered - 2004 May 30
Life 228 days
Released from Shenzhou 5 2003 Oct 15. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2003 Oct 16, 00:5067130.000233333691.2242.43250
2003 Oct 21, 16:2767090.000233033291.1442.43270
2003 Oct 22, 01:2267210.000534034691.4042.43260
2003 Nov 02, 22:5667090.000332933391.1542.43345
2003 Nov 04, 22:1767260.000734335291.4942.43272
2003 Nov 11, 18:4467220.000733934891.4142.43303
2003 Nov 13, 14:5267390.000735736691.7742.43262
2003 Dec 24, 11:2767210.000833834891.4042.43193
2003 Dec 25, 00:4567290.001034435791.5542.43128
2003 Dec 31, 06:2467260.001234035691.5042.43177
2003 Dec 31, 11:0667420.003434138791.8342.42157
2004 May 30, 01:1665190.001013414887.3142.41276


2005-040
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2005 Oct 12, 01:00
Shenzhou 6
2005-040A
28879
Re-entered - 2005 Oct 16
Life 4 days Returned to Earth
Piloted mision carrying crew of two - Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng. For the first time, a Shenzhou crew entered the Orbital Module. Retrofire Oct 16 at 19:45 UTC led to a landing in Inner Mongolia at 20:33 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2005 Oct 12, 08:0767120.000633033891.2142.41186
Shenzhou 6 Orbital Module
2005-040E
28883
Re-entered - 2008 Apr 1
Life 902 days
Released from Shenzhou 5 2005 Oct 16 at 19:44 UTC. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array, the final Shenzhou OM to be used as an independent satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2005 Oct 17, 02:2067140.000433333991.2542.43226
2005 Oct 19, 13:5467150.000533434191.2842.42237
2005 Oct 20, 03:0367250.000534435191.4842.42215
2005 Dec 12, 13:4567140.000433333991.2642.42196
2005 Dec 13, 05:5867300.000834635791.5742.42278
2006 Jan 20, 22:0767230.000434234891.4442.42203
2006 Jan 21, 09:5267290.000834535691.5542.42277
2006 Mar 18, 15:0167200.000633834691.3742.42333
2006 Mar 19, 05:5667300.000634735691.5742.43270
2006 May 28, 04:5867160.000133733991.2942.4221
2006 May 28, 12:4167300.000734735691.5742.43266
2006 Sep 05, 10:0267170.000833434591.3242.42243
2006 Sep 05, 20:2767290.000734635691.5642.42264
2007 Jan 11, 18:1567050.000732233291.0742.4250
2007 Jan 12, 04:4067110.000932733991.1942.42350
2007 Jan 27, 07:3067080.000732533591.1242.42115
2007 Jan 27, 20:5767120.000233233591.2042.42128
2007 Jun 06, 01:5867120.000832833991.2142.428
2007 Jun 06, 11:3167200.000733734791.3742.42273
2008 Apr 01, 13:0765120.000413113687.1542.3911


2008-047
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2008 Sep 25, 13:10
Shenzhou 7
2008-047A
33386
Re-entered - 2008 Sep 28
Life 3 days Returned to Earth
Piloted mission carrying Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng. Sep 27 at 08:34 UTC Zhai Zhigang wearing a Chinese-made Feitian EVA suit and Liu Boming wearing a Russian Sea Hawk EVA suit undertook a 26 minutes (approximately) spacewalk, Zhai spent 19m 35s outside the spacecraft. Used the Tianlian 1-01 communications satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Landed In Inner Mongolia Sep 28 at 09:37 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2008 Sep 25, 14:1866440.009820033189.8242.41125
2008 Sep 25, 20:1767120.000533033791.2042.40274
BanXing 1 (Companion Satellite 1)
2008-047G
33392
Re-entered - 2009 Oct 30
Life 400 days
Released from Shenzhou 7 Sep 27 at 11:24 UTC. 40 kg manoeuvrable satellite, built by Shanghai Micro-satellite Engineering Center, to test rendezvous procedures with Shenzhou 7 - manoeuvred seven times during the test. Also transmitted images of the main spacecraft in orbit. Still operating at end of life when re-entered naturally 2009 October 30 around 03:30 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2008 Sep 27, 19:3467120.000732933991.2242.40283


2011-053
CZ 2F/G
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Sep 29, 13:16
Tiangong 1
2011-053A
37820
Re-entered - 2018 Apr 2
Life 2377 days
Small laboratory, 8.5 tonnes mass (9 tonnes including propellant), for docking experiments during visits by the unpiloted Shenzhou 8 (2011 Oct 31 - Nov 17), Shenzhou 9 (2012 Jun 16-29) and Shenzhou 10, both piloted. Precise lift-off time 13:16:03 UTC at the opening of a fifteen minute launch window. Originally anticipated life was two years. Early 2016, mission control announced that it had lost communication with Tiangong 1 and that its orbit would decay naturally, leading to uncontrolled re-entry. Launch delayed several times from 2010 by design/construction issues and investigation of the 2011 Aug 18 CZ-2C launch vehicle failure.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Sep 29, 20:3966500.011019934589.9542.78132
2011 Sep 30, 19:1167230.001433535591.4442.7840
2011 Oct 05, 19:3867200.001033534991.3742.7881
2011 Oct 28, 05:3567130.000733033991.2242.79253
2011 Nov 15, 11:4567100.000532833591.1642.79359
2011 Nov 18, 14:1867510.000836837992.0142.79212
2012 Mar 23, 03:2367240.001233835491.4642.78342
2012 Mar 23, 17:3967370.000835336491.7142.78344
2012 May 26, 13:2367210.000933734991.3942.7878
2012 Jun 10, 18:5067110.000433033691.1942.78242
2012 Jun 11, 18:0167070.001132133691.1042.78235
2012 Jun 14, 01:4267060.001232033591.0842.78249
2012 Jun 14, 18:3667110.000732833891.2042.80181
2012 Jun 28, 04:5767090.000632733691.1642.78333
2012 Jun 28, 12:1567100.000233033391.1642.79269
2012 Jun 28, 13:4267230.001633435591.4342.78102
2012 Jun 29, 07:5567390.000835536691.7642.78315
2012 Jul 05, 16:5467380.000835436591.7442.78315
2012 Aug 30, 10:2367280.000834435691.5442.78357
2012 Sep 16, 04:2667350.000835136391.6842.78336
2012 Oct 15, 09:2267270.000534635391.5242.78197
2012 Oct 15, 17:2567370.002134537391.7342.78207
2012 Oct 16, 11:3367490.000536737491.9542.78233
2013 Feb 04, 04:1367260.000234734991.5042.7870
2013 Feb 04, 13:3567370.001634837091.7342.78227
2013 Feb 05, 05:5967440.000636236991.8642.77226
2013 May 21, 02:5767190.000433934491.3642.78157
2013 May 22, 00:2667150.000533334191.2742.78231
2013 Jun 05, 06:1767100.000532933691.1842.78299
2013 Jun 06, 05:0067090.000532733491.1542.78315
2013 Jun 09, 04:2067070.000732533491.1242.78300
2013 Jun 10, 03:0467130.000733034091.2342.78277
2013 Jun 25, 03:4667090.000532733491.1542.78333
2013 Jun 25, 11:4767220.001333535391.4242.7793
2013 Jun 26, 09:0067390.000735636691.7642.77278
2013 Sep 11, 08:0867240.000634235091.4642.78139
2013 Sep 11, 20:1167390.000935436791.7542.77319
2014 Feb 18, 05:1867170.001233134791.3142.78230
2014 Feb 18, 18:5567360.004133138691.7142.77242
2014 Feb 19, 17:4267590.001037438792.1642.78278
2014 Jul 16, 07:3667220.001433435391.4042.77209
2014 Jul 16, 22:4167340.003033637791.6742.77245
2014 Nov 25, 12:3867210.000933734991.4042.7719
2014 Nov 26, 03:4367460.002635038691.9042.78234
2014 Nov 26, 06:5567590.001736939292.1642.77187
2015 Apr 09, 02:1667200.001033534891.3642.77342
2015 Apr 09, 14:4367410.004233539191.8042.7726
2015 Apr 10, 23:0767710.001238540192.4242.77282


2011-063
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Oct 31, 21:58
Shenzhou 8
2011-063A
37859
Re-entered - 2011 Nov 17
Life 17 days Returned to Earth
Test mission using piloted spacecraft in automatic mode to undertake docking operations with Tiangong 1 (2011-053A/37820). First serial production model of Shenzhou. Docked Nov 2 at 17:28 UTC and the two vehicles were locked together eight minutes later. Undocked Nov 14 at 11:27 UTC, backed off to 140m distance, and re-docked shortly after at 11:53 UTC as a test of spacecraft sensors at a low Sun angle. Undocked for landing Nov 16 at 10:44 UTC. Landed Nov 17 at 11:32:14 UTC in inner Mongolia near 42°.2 north, 111°.3 east. The mission was flown as a biosatellite with a payload of plants and animals. - part of the payload was DLR of Germany's SIMBOX (Science in Microgravity Box).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 01, 14:3866660.004026231590.2842.79138
2011 Nov 02, 13:2366990.000931532790.9442.78269
2011 Nov 03, 12:0467110.000832833891.1942.79285
2011 Nov 15, 06:2167100.000532833591.1642.79354
2011 Nov 17, 06:5567130.000233333691.2242.7978
estimated orbit66360.008420231389.6642.78134


2012-032
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2012 Jun 16, 10:37
Shenzhou 9
2012-032A
38461
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 29
Life 13 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Jing Haipeng (Commander), Liu Wang (Flight Engineer) and Liu Yang (Mission Engineer), to Tiangong 1. Second Mission for Jing Haipeng after Shenzhou 7, Liu Yang is female. First stage ignition 10:37:21 UTC with launch/lift-off 3s later. Spacecraft separation was at 10:46:55 UTC, about 11s earlier than planned. Shenzhou 9 docked with Tiangong 1 Jun 18 at 06:07 UTC. On Jun 24 at 03:10 UTC, it undocked and moved 140m in front of Tiangong from where it re-docked under manual control (Liu Wang) at 04:48 UTC. Undocked Jun 28 at 01:22 UTC - after falling behind by 5 km, it was brought back automatically to 140m distance from where it then departed. Retrofire Jun 29 at 01:17 UTC led to a landing in Inner Mongolia near 42° north, 111° east at 02:02:50 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 16, 16:3866360.008420231389.6642.71134
2012 Jun 16, 21:1266670.004026231690.2942.78136
2012 Jun 17, 16:4467000.000831632790.9542.78262
2012 Jun 18, 13:5267120.000832833991.2042.78279
2012 Jun 28, 13:1767140.000233533891.2642.78125


2013-029
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2013 Jun 11, 09:38
Shenzhou 10
2013-029A
39179
Re-entered - 2013 Jun 26
Life 15 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Nie Haisheng (Commander), Zhang Xiaoguang (Flight Engineer) and Wang Yaping (Mission Engineer) to Tiangong 1. Automatic approach to Tiangong 1 initiated June 13 02:48 UTC. Docked at 05:11 UTC with latches secured at 05:18 UTC. Undocked June 23 at 00:26 UTC, carrying its crew, and moved away from Tiangong 1. At 01:52 UTC, Nie Haisheng initiated a manually controlled approach, docking with Tiangong at 02:00, latches were fully secured at 02:07 UTC. Undocked Jun 25 at 23:05 UTC and flew in formation with Tiangong to test varying approach scenarios, re-docked briefly (probably without retracting the docking ring) then departed for a landing. Retro-fire Jun 25 about 23:18 UTC led to landing in Mongolia June 26 at 00:07 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2013 Jun 11, 15:3966350.008919831689.6542.78132
2013 Jun 11, 17:0366660.004026131490.2642.78138
2013 Jun 11, 21:4566670.004026231690.2942.78136
2013 Jun 12, 18:4566990.000931532790.9542.78290
2013 Jun 13, 12:5167120.000832933991.2142.78295
2013 Jun 25, 03:5167090.000532733491.1442.79337
2013 Jun 25, 13:0767130.000433333791.2342.78134


2016-057
CZ 2F/G
Jiuquan Space Centre
2016 Sep 15, 14:04
Tiangong 2
2016-057A
41765
Re-entered - 2019 Jul 19
Life 1037 days
Small laboratory, 8.5 tonnes mass (9.5 tonnes including fuel), for docking experiments during visits by the Shenzhou 11 crew carrying mission (2016 Oct 18 - Nov 17), and Tianzhou-1 (2017-021A/42684) supply vehicle (2017 April - September). Destructive re-entry followed retro-fire with any surviving fragments impacting in the southern Pacific Ocean.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Sep 15, 18:1166440.010319733489.8242.79130
2016 Sep 19, 19:2066280.008619330789.5042.79161
2016 Sep 20, 01:0767520.000637037892.0342.7864
2016 Sep 24, 23:2467590.001037438792.1642.79177
2016 Sep 25, 15:4967640.000538238992.2742.78120
2017 Mar 04, 23:5167500.000836737891.9942.78234
2017 Mar 05, 13:2467580.000937438692.1542.78251
2017 Apr 04, 20:2367560.000637438292.1242.78107
2017 Apr 15, 22:1067630.000738139092.2642.79255
2017 Oct 14, 11:5967680.000338839292.3642.78332
2017 Nov 03, 17:4667670.000238839192.3442.78163
2017 Nov 04, 06:2067680.000238839192.3542.78156
2018 Jun 12, 21:3967610.000538038692.2242.79244
2018 Jun 14, 12:3266740.000429329990.4342.78261
2018 Jun 21, 20:4666720.000429129790.4042.79316
2018 Jun 23, 17:0667690.000838539692.3742.78303
2019 Jul 18, 08:0967600.000637838692.1942.78122
2019 Jul 18, 20:0666590.014418537790.1342.78269
2019 Jul 19, 06:4566590.014318537690.1242.78273
Banxing 2
2016-057H
41834
Re-entered - 2019 Jul 15
Life 1033 days
Micro-satellite built by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, carrying cameras and equipped with a cold gas thruster system. Ejected by a spring mechanism from Tiangong 2 2016 Oct 22 at 22:31 UTC and used to photograph the station while docked with Shenzhou 11 (2016-061A/41812). It made several minor orbit adjustments while in the vicinity of Tiangong 2 to allow it to move away and return.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Oct 24, 08:4867580.000737538492.1442.79350
2019 Jul 08, 20:5465890.001620022188.7142.77273
2019 Jul 15, 20:2964990.001211312986.9042.74179


2016-061
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2016 Oct 16, 23:30
Shenzhou 11
2016-061A
41812
Re-entered - 2016 Nov 18
Life 33 days Returned to Earth
Carried Jing Haipeng (commander) and Chen Dong (engineer) to Tiangong 2. Docked Oct 18 at 19:24 UTC and the crew entered Tiangong at 22:32 UTC. Undocked 2016 Nov 17 at 04:41 UTC, after 29.4 days. Landed in the Siziwang Banner area of Inner Mongolia Nov 18 at 05:59 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Oct 17, 11:5866570.012319736190.0942.79132
2016 Oct 17, 14:5867290.002333536691.5542.78141
2016 Oct 18, 12:1467490.000836637691.9742.79268
2016 Oct 18, 16:5067620.000837938992.2342.79278
2016 Nov 15, 17:5667560.000937238492.1142.78185
2016 Nov 17, 17:2667590.002536339892.1642.80356


2017-021
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2017 Apr 20, 11:41
Tianzhou 1
2017-021A
42684
Re-entered - 2017 Sep 22
Life 155 days
Spacecraft to test propellant transfer to China's future large space station. Docked with Tiangong 2 (2016-057A/41765) 2017 Apr 22 at 04:16 UTC with latches engaged at 04:23 UTC. Completed a propellant transfer Apr 27 at 11:07 UTC and completed a second one Jun 15 at 10:28 UTC. Each operation took five days. Undocked 2017 Jun 19 and conducted a fly-around of Tiangong 2. Docked a second time with Tiangong 2 on Jun 19 at about 06:48 UTC with latches angaged at 06:55 UTC. Undocked Jun 21 at 09:47 UTC. Docked with Tiangong 2 for a third time 2017 Sep 12 at about 15:50 UTC after an approach to simulate a short duration launch-docking mission, similar to Soyuz. Latches were engaged at 15:58 UTC. Completed a three-day propellant transfer test Sep 16 at 12:17 UTC. Undocked Sep 17 at 08:15 UTC. Retro-fire Sep 22 at around 12:00 UTC led to destructive re-entry about 45 mins later with any surviving fragments hitting the southern Pacific Ocean.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2017 Apr 20, 20:4267180.004431136991.3342.79181
2017 Apr 21, 17:5467510.000836737892.0042.78276
2017 Apr 22, 16:5367630.000738039092.2542.79289
2017 Jun 14, 14:3367620.001137739192.2342.78314
2017 Jun 19, 13:0267640.001037939392.2842.782
2017 Jun 21, 13:5767730.000339339792.4542.78274
2017 Sep 11, 06:2867710.000039339392.4142.78104
2017 Sep 12, 06:5066950.018619344190.8642.25230
2017 Sep 13, 07:2667690.000239039392.3842.78167
Silu 1 (Silk Road 1)
2017-021F
42903
Re-entered - 2019 Apr 11
Life 721 days
3U Cubesat carrying development versions of sensors to be used in a future Earth observation constellation. Released from Tianzhou 1 2017 Aug 1, possibly as a test of a cubesat deployment mechanism for use on a space station.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2017 Aug 02, 21:3567690.000738739592.3742.79226


2021-035
CZ 5B
Wenchang Space Centre
2021 Apr 29, 03:23
Tianhe
2021-035A
48274
in space
Core module of Chinese space station, designed for expansion using additional modules. It is capable of receiving Shenzhou and Tianzhou spacecraft to deliver crews and supplies.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 Apr 29, 09:1166550.015917138290.0441.47170
2021 Apr 29, 12:2167120.007528438491.2241.48172
2021 Apr 29, 13:5467170.007928639291.3141.47167
2021 Apr 29, 18:3267470.002435338591.9241.47181
2021 May 13, 07:4267500.001936038591.9941.47278
2021 May 23, 23:4167310.001534336491.6041.47231
2021 May 27, 17:3967350.002134337191.6841.45249
2021 May 29, 14:1167510.000636937692.0041.472
2021 Jun 04, 06:4967510.000537037692.0041.4745
2021 Jun 04, 14:0167590.000837638692.1741.47220
2021 Jun 29, 12:3667580.000737538592.1541.4721
2021 Jun 30, 02:0567580.000737538492.1541.4735
2021 Jul 01, 12:1367580.000737538492.1441.4759
2021 Jul 02, 01:5367590.000737638592.1641.4749
2021 Jul 04, 05:5467590.000737638592.1641.4762
2021 Sep 01, 07:1867560.000737438392.1241.47165
2021 Sep 01, 20:4267610.000138238492.2241.47256
2021 Sep 17, 05:3567600.000238038492.2041.47282
2021 Sep 18, 04:3967610.000438138692.2241.47268
2021 Oct 21, 02:5867610.000238238592.2241.47266
2021 Oct 21, 13:5567640.000638239092.2741.46231
2021 Oct 22, 04:2467640.000738139192.2741.47234
2022 Apr 20, 14:5767540.000637238092.0741.4729
2022 Apr 21, 16:4767660.001238039592.3041.47189
2022 May 12, 07:1767620.001237639292.2441.47316
2022 May 13, 01:2767670.000438639292.3441.47325
2022 May 31, 04:4367650.000138638792.2841.47141
2022 May 31, 13:3167660.000438639092.3241.47189
2022 Jul 19, 05:4367580.000437838392.1641.47297
2022 Jul 19, 20:1567620.000737938992.2341.47247
2022 Sep 27, 09:4967580.000437738392.1541.4733
2022 Sep 28, 04:1067620.000338238692.2341.47279
2022 Nov 04, 12:2067610.000538038692.2141.47291
2022 Nov 04, 15:1867670.000938239592.3341.48224


2021-046
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2021 May 29, 12:55
Tianzhou 2
2021-046A
48803
Re-entered - 2022 Mar 31
Life 306 days
Supplies and equipment to Chinese Space Station (CSS) in advance of the Shenzhou 12 crew mission. Docked with the rear port of Tianhe May 29, 21:01 UTC. Undocked 2021 Sep 18 at 02:25 UTC and re-docked with the forward-facing port of Tianhe about four hours later, clearing the rear port for the upcoming Tianzhou 3. 2022 Jan 5 at 22:12 UTC, Tianzhou 2 was undocked using Tianhe's robotic arm. After rotating 20° away from the station's axis and back, it was re-docked at 22:59 UTC. 2022 Jan 7 at about 22:00 UTC, Tianzhou 2 undocked from Tianhe and backed away. At 23:55 UTC it was re-docked at the same, forward, port under manual remote control by the CSS crew. Undocked for final time 2022 March 27 at 07:59 UTC. Retro-fire Mar 31 at around 10:00 UTC, whilst passing over central China. led to destructive re-entry above the southern Pacific Ocean at 10:40 UTC with any surviving debris hitting the ocean surface a few minutes later.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 May 29, 13:1266370.009419732289.6941.47176
2021 May 29, 14:1167510.000636937692.0041.472
2021 May 29, 17:2267380.000635636491.7441.4724
2022 Mar 26, 13:1167570.000737338392.1241.47250
2022 Mar 28, 00:3267830.004137743392.6641.47183
2022 Mar 30, 00:2067820.004137643292.6541.47198


2021-053
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2021 Jun 17, 01:22
Shenzhou 12
2021-053A
48852
Re-entered - 2021 Sep 17
Life 92 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Nie Haisheng (commander), Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo to Chinese Space Station (CSS). Docked with forward-facing port of Tianhe at 07:54 UTC. The crew entered CSS at 10:48 UTC. Undocked 2021 Sep 16 at 00:56 UTC and backed away. It then made a simulated docking with Tianhe's downward-facing port as a rehearsal for the upcoming Shenzhou 13 mission. Orbital module separated from the main spacecraft Sep 17 at 04:43 and retro-fire followed shortly after. The descent module landed in central China at 05:34 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit66370.009419732289.6941.47176
2021 Jun 17, 08:5367590.000937538792.1741.47301
2021 Sep 16, 06:3767580.000737638592.1641.47350
2021 Sep 16, 23:2167650.000438439092.3041.55260


2021-085
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2021 Sep 20, 07:10
Tianzhou 3
2021-085A
49222
Re-entered - 2022 Jul 27
Life 310 days
Supplies and equipment to Chinese Space Station (CSS) in advance of the Shenzhou 13 crew mission. Also carries hosted payloads consisting of a set of space science and engineering sensors operated independently of the space station mission, including a detector to scan for orbital space debris. Initial orbit was similar to 2021-085B. Docked with the rear port of Tianhe at 14:08 UTC on the day of launch. Undocked 2022 Apr 19 at 21:02 UTC, following departure of Shenzhou 13. Docked with the forward port of Tianhe Apr 20 at 01:06 UTC. Undocked 2022 Jul 17 at 02:59 UTC. Caused to re-enter above the southern Pacific Ocean 2022 Jul 27 at 03:31 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 Sep 20, 11:2567470.000236837191.9341.46269
2021 Sep 20, 13:0367610.000438038592.2141.47290
2022 Jul 15, 21:2367590.000437838392.1741.47281
2022 Jul 17, 13:5867620.000238338592.2341.47126


2021-092
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2021 Oct 15, 16:23
Shenzhou 13
2021-092A
49326
Re-entered - 2022 Apr 16
Life 183 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Zhai Zhigang (commander), Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu (the backup crew from Shenzhou 12) to CSS (Chinese Space Station). Docked with the downward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 22:48 UTC with hooks and latches closed at 22:56 UTC. Initial orbit was similar to the rocket stage. The inclination of the first orbit listed may be an error. Undocked, carrying its crew, 2022 Apr 15 at 16:44 UTC. Its orbital module was released Apr 16 at 01:06 UTC and retro-fire occurred shortly after, leading to a landing in Inner Mongolia at 01:56 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 Oct 15, 22:2967100.000632833591.1742.41158
2021 Oct 16, 04:1467620.000238238592.2241.47251
2022 Apr 15, 10:0767550.000737238192.0941.47347
2022 Apr 15, 19:4267510.000636937792.0141.489


2022-050
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 May 9, 17:56
Tianzhou 4
2022-050A
52509
Re-entered - 2022 Nov 14
Life 189 days
Supplies and equipment to Chinese Space Station (CSS) in advance of the Shenzhou 14 crew mission. Made rendezvous with CSS and the final docking command was issued May 10 at 00:54 UTC. Docked with the rear port of Tianhe a few minutes later. Also includes a set of hosted payloads consisting of a set of space science and engineering sensors operated independently of the space station mission. Undocked 2022 Nov 9, 06:55 UTC. Retro-fire led to re-entry above the southern Pacific Ocean Nov 14, 23:21 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 May 09, 22:1267480.001036337691.9341.46288
2022 May 10, 13:5567630.001237639392.2441.47306
2022 Nov 08, 13:2767660.000938239492.3241.48256
2022 Nov 09, 15:3167660.001038139492.3141.48261
2022 Nov 09, 23:2867630.001637439592.2441.48271
Zhixing 3A
2022-050E
54245
Re-entered - 2023 Feb 12
Life 279 days
6U Cubesat carrying an Earth imaging system. Released from Tianzhou 4 on Nov 13 at 22:02 UTC, after Tianzhou departed from CSS.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Nov 16, 14:2667630.001537539592.2541.48331


2022-060
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2022 Jun 5, 02:44
Shenzhou 14
2022-060A
52797
Re-entered - 2022 Dec 4
Life 182 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Chen Dong (commander), Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe. Docked with the downward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 09:42 UTC. Initial orbit similar to rocket upper stage. Undocked, carrying original crew, 2022 Dec 4 at 03:01 UTC. Retro-fire at 11:21 UTC led to landing near Jiuquan at about 12:10:29 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Jun 05, 16:2867660.000438539192.3141.47221
2022 Dec 02, 14:1067680.000638639492.3541.480


2022-085
CZ 5
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 Jul 24, 06:22
Wentian
2022-085A
53239
in space
Module for Chinese Space Station, precise launch time 06:22:32 UTC, released from launch vehicle at 06:30:47 UTC about 5700 km behind CSS. Docked with forward-facing port of Tianhe module of CSS at 19:13 UTC on day of launch. Transferred to side port of docking module 2022 Sep 30 in ~60 min operation completed at 04:44 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit66190.008918230089.3241.45168
2022 Jul 24, 17:0867560.000837238492.1141.46227
2022 Jul 24, 17:5267610.000737838892.2141.47272
2022 Jul 24, 18:1567620.000737938892.2241.47278


2022-143
CZ 5B
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 Oct 31, 07:37
Mengtian
2022-143A
54216
in space
Chinese Space Station module. Separated from launch vehicle at 07:45 UTC. Docked with the forward-facing port of Tianhe at 20:27 UTC on day of launch. Nov 3, after a manoeuvre lasting for about one hour, a robotic arm docked it with a side port opposite Wentian at 01:32 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Oct 31, 11:4566270.010917732089.4841.46167
2022 Oct 31, 14:4266900.003229133390.7741.52232
2022 Oct 31, 18:0867620.000538038792.2241.47272
2022 Oct 31, 22:4767620.000538038792.2241.47276


2022-152
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 Nov 12, 02:03
Tianzhou 5
2022-152A
54237
Re-entered - 2023 Sep 12
Life 304 days
Supplies to Chinese Space Station - support for the upcoming Shenzhou 15 mission. Inital orbit similar to the CZ 7 rocket stage. Docked with Tianhe rear port 04:10 UTC. 2022 December 18, Tianzhou released the Macau Student Satellite (54816/2021-035C) from its external Cubesat deployer - see launch entry for that date. Undocked 2023 May 5, 07:26:53 UTC and moved away from CSS to await Shenzhou 15 undocking. Docked with Tianhe forward-facing port Jun 5 at 19:10 UTC. Undocked 2023 September 11 at 08:46 UTC. Retro-fire shortly after 00:30 UTC on September 12 resulted in destructive re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere at 01:13 UTC above the southern Pacific Ocean. Any survivng debris would have hit the ocean surface about 10 minutes later.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Nov 12, 09:3467660.001038139592.3141.48274
2023 May 05, 02:2767580.000637538492.1441.47197
2023 May 06, 06:3567540.000737138192.0741.48160
2023 May 23, 04:0067520.001036738092.0241.47277
2023 May 23, 15:1267700.005435542892.3941.50347
2023 May 24, 10:5667860.002938842892.7241.48310
2023 May 24, 19:0367770.000939340592.5441.48296
2023 Jun 04, 05:3167760.000739340392.5241.4710
2023 Jun 04, 16:5767920.001940142792.8441.47260
2023 Jun 05, 06:3167540.000337437892.0741.47283
2023 Jun 05, 21:2767660.000438639192.3241.48304
2023 Sep 09, 10:5867600.001037538992.1941.48333
2023 Sep 11, 10:5967630.001137839292.2641.4716


2022-162
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2022 Nov 29, 15:08
Shenzhou 15
2022-162A
54379
Re-entered - 2023 Jun 3
Life 186 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Fei Junlong (commander), Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu. Separated from launch vehicle at 15:17 UTC. Matched orbit with CSS at about 19:30 UTC then docked with the forward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 21:42 UTC. Undocked carrying original crew 2023 Jun 3 at 13:29 UTC. Retrofire at 21:41 UTC led to landing in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia reportedly at 22:33 UTC but more likely 22:31 UTC. The first orbit listed is an estimate based on Chinese data.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Nov 29, 15:1866590.012120036190.1241.48125
2022 Nov 29, 19:4067680.000638639392.3441.48336
2022 Nov 30, 08:1067680.000638639392.3441.48340
2023 Jun 03, 14:1267670.000438639192.3341.47289


2022-C01
External Cubesat Deployer - Tianzhou 5
Chinese Space Station
2022 Dec 18, 01:30
Macau Student Science Satellite 1
2021-035C
54816
Re-entered - 2023 Mar 15
Life 87 days
8U Cubesat (4x2) built for China's Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST). it carries a number of educational payloads to "…teach students about imaging, radio communication and other spaceflight activities". Includes Amsat China's CAMSAT XW-4 payload for use by amateur radio operators with an Earth imaging system to collect and store pictures and then download them on demand. Time of release from CSS to be confirmed.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Dec 20, 22:2767630.000838039092.2541.48207


2023-063
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2023 May 10, 13:22
Tianzhou 6
2023-063B
56446
Re-entered - 2024 Jan 19
Life 254 days
Supplies to Chinese Space Station - support for the upcoming Shenzhou 16 mission. Initial orbit similar to the upper stage rocket. Docked with rear port of Tianhe module at 21:16 UTC on day of launch. Tianli, a 12U Cubesat was contained in a dispenser attached to its exterior, expected to be released before mission end. Undocked 2024 January 12 at 08:02 UTC. Released Dalian 1 Cubesat Jan 18 then a thruster firing January 19 at about 11:55 UTC led to destructive re-entry above the southern Pacific Ocean at 12:37 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 May 10, 19:1267510.000437137592.0141.51173
2023 May 10, 22:2767570.000737438492.1341.48231
2024 Jan 12, 03:2967580.000537738392.1541.4792
2024 Jan 13, 18:1167540.001036938392.0741.47120
Dalian 1 (Lianli)
2023-063C
58816
in space
12U Cubesat carried into orbit by Tianzhou 6 and then released from an external dispenser on Tianzhou 2024 January 18 after its departure from CSS. Fitted with a high resolution imaging system and acting as a demonstrator of new satellite systems including a 3D printed launch dispenser.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Jan 19, 01:3467550.000937138392.0841.47151


2023-077
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2023 May 30, 01:31
Shenzhou 16
2023-077A
56761
Re-entered - 2023 Oct 31
Life 154 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Jing Haipeng (commander), Zhu Yangzhu (pilot and flight engineer) and Gui Haichao (payload specialist). Separated from launch vehicle at 01:40 UTC. Docked with the downward-facing port of Tianhe at 08:29 UTC. Initial orbit is an estimate based on Chinese data. Undocked carrying its original crew October 30 at 12:37 UTC. Retrofire at about 23:27 UTC led to landing about 50 km north of the Jiuquan launch site October 31 at 00:11 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 May 30, 01:4166590.012120036190.1241.34125
2023 May 30, 10:1867670.000438739292.3441.47268
2023 Oct 29, 09:0867650.000438338992.2841.47349
2023 Oct 30, 17:5667620.000538138792.2341.4743


2023-164
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2023 Oct 26, 03:14
Shenzhou 17
2023-164A
58146
in space
Crew to CSS - Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin. Separated from launch vehicle at 03:23 UTC. Docked with the forward-facing port of Tianhe Oct 26 at 10:46 UTC. Initial orbit shown is derived from Chinese data.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 Oct 26, 03:2466530.012918936090.0041.59110
2023 Oct 26, 10:2967650.000538439092.2941.47330


2024-013
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2024 Jan 17, 14:27
Tianzhou 7
2023-014A
58811
in space
Supplies to Chinese Space Station - support for the Shenzhou 17 & 18 missions. Separated from launch vehicle at 14;37 UTC. Initial orbit similar to the upper stage rocket. Docked with rear port of Tianhe module at 17:46 UTC on day of launch. A Cubesat, Bayi 08, was contained in a dispenser attached to its exterior, expected to be released before mission end. Initial orbit similar to the CZ 7 upper stage.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )
ecc    perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Jan 17, 18:2867590.000737638592.1741.47186


Page date: 2011 Nov 21
Introduction updated: 2022 Jan 29
Entries updated as information arrives

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