# Shenzhou 8

> eighth launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q733761](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q733761)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhou_8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shenzhou-8

## Summary
Shenzhou 8 was the eighth flight of China's Shenzhou spacecraft, launched on October 31, 2011, as part of the country's manned space program. It was an uncrewed mission that successfully docked with the Tiangong-1 space lab module, marking a significant milestone in China's space exploration efforts.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: October 31, 2011
- **Landing Date**: November 17, 2011
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2F
- **Launch Site**: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **Mission Type**: Uncrewed, automated docking test
- **Part of**: China Manned Space Program
- **Operator**: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- **Preceded by**: Shenzhou 7
- **Followed by**: Shenzhou 9

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Shenzhou 8?
A: Shenzhou 8 was an uncrewed mission designed to test automated docking with the Tiangong-1 space lab module, a critical step for China's future crewed missions.

### Q: How long did Shenzhou 8 stay in space?
A: The mission lasted approximately 17 days, from launch on October 31, 2011, to landing on November 17, 2011.

### Q: Where did Shenzhou 8 land?
A: Shenzhou 8 landed in Inner Mongolia, a common landing site for Chinese space missions.

### Q: What was the significance of Shenzhou 8's docking with Tiangong-1?
A: The successful docking demonstrated China's ability to perform automated rendezvous and docking, a key technology for future crewed missions and space station construction.

### Q: How did Shenzhou 8 differ from previous Shenzhou missions?
A: Unlike earlier Shenzhou missions, which were crewed, Shenzhou 8 was uncrewed and focused solely on testing automated docking procedures.

## Why It Matters
Shenzhou 8 was a pivotal mission in China's space program, as it successfully demonstrated automated docking with the Tiangong-1 space lab module. This achievement was a critical step toward China's long-term goal of establishing a permanent space station. The mission validated key technologies required for future crewed missions, including rendezvous and docking procedures, which are essential for constructing and maintaining a space station. By proving that uncrewed spacecraft could safely dock with a space lab, China laid the groundwork for more complex missions, ultimately paving the way for the successful launch of Shenzhou 9, which carried astronauts to Tiangong-1 in 2012. This milestone reinforced China's position as a major player in space exploration and reinforced its commitment to advancing human spaceflight capabilities.

## Notable For
- **First Automated Docking**: Successfully performed the first automated docking with Tiangong-1, a key technology for future space station construction.
- **Uncrewed Mission**: Demonstrated China's ability to conduct complex space operations without a human crew.
- **Prelude to Crewed Missions**: Paved the way for Shenzhou 9, which carried astronauts to Tiangong-1, marking a major step forward in China's manned space program.
- **Technological Validation**: Validated critical docking and rendezvous technologies essential for long-term space missions.
- **Inner Mongolia Landing**: Landed in Inner Mongolia, a common but significant location for Chinese space missions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Shenzhou 8 was launched on October 31, 2011, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 2F rocket. The mission's primary objective was to test automated docking with the Tiangong-1 space lab module, which had been launched earlier in 2011. The spacecraft successfully docked with Tiangong-1 on November 2, 2011, marking a significant achievement in China's space program.

### Docking Procedures
The automated docking procedure was a critical part of the mission. Shenzhou 8 approached Tiangong-1 at a precise speed and angle, using onboard sensors and thrusters to align and dock with the space lab. The successful docking demonstrated China's ability to perform complex orbital maneuvers without human intervention.

### Mission Duration
Shenzhou 8 remained in orbit for approximately 17 days, conducting various tests and experiments during its stay. The spacecraft undocked from Tiangong-1 on November 14, 2011, and performed a series of maneuvers to prepare for re-entry. It landed safely in Inner Mongolia on November 17, 2011.

### Significance
Shenzhou 8's success was a major milestone for China's space program. It proved that China could perform automated docking, a key technology for future crewed missions and the construction of a space station. The mission also demonstrated China's growing capability in human spaceflight and orbital mechanics.

### Legacy
Shenzhou 8's achievements laid the foundation for subsequent missions, including Shenzhou 9, which carried astronauts to Tiangong-1 in 2012. The mission's success reinforced China's position as a leading spacefaring nation and highlighted its commitment to advancing human space exploration.

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  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SpaceMission",
  "name": "Shenzhou 8",
  "description": "The eighth flight of China's Shenzhou spacecraft, launched in 2011 to test automated docking with the Tiangong-1 space lab module.",
  "launchDate": "2011-10-31",
  "landingDate": "2011-11-17",
  "launchVehicle": "Long March 2F",
  "launchSite": "Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center",
  "orbit": "Low Earth orbit",
  "operator": "China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q37859",
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}

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013