# Shijian-8

> Chinese recoverable satellite based on the FSW series

**Wikidata**: [Q2278759](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2278759)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shijian-8

## Summary
Shijian-8 is a Chinese recoverable research satellite based on the Fanhui Shi Weixing (FSW) series. Launched in 2006, it was designed for scientific experiments and returned to Earth after completing its mission in low Earth orbit.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: September 9, 2006, at 07:00:04 UTC from Jiuquan Launch Complex 43/94 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Landing Date**: September 24, 2006, at 02:43 UTC in Suining, China ([reference](http://www.gov.cn/jrzg/2006-09/24/content_397138.htm)).  
- **Mass**: Approximately 3,000 kg ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sj-8.htm)).  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2C (serial number Y16) ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367)).  
- **Operator**: Xi'an Satellite Control Center ([reference](http://www.gov.cn/jrzg/2006-09/24/content_397138.htm)).  
- **Manufacturer**: China Association for Science and Technology ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sj-8.htm)).  
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sj-8.htm)).  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-035A ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q841208)).  
- **Landing Date**: September 24, 2006, in Suining, China ([reference](http://www.gov.cn/jrzg/2006-09/24/content_397138.htm)).  

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Shijian-8?
A: Shijian-8 was a recoverable research satellite designed for scientific experiments, including agricultural and biological studies, funded by China's Ministry of Agriculture.

### Q: How long was Shijian-8 in orbit?
A: The satellite orbited Earth for 15 days, launching on September 9, 2006, and landing on September 24, 2006.

### Q: What rocket launched Shijian-8?
A: It was launched aboard a Long March 2C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

## Why It Matters
Shijian-8 represents China's advancements in recoverable satellite technology, enabling scientific research with practical applications such as agricultural and biological experiments. Its successful deployment and retrieval demonstrated China's capability to conduct and recover orbital missions, contributing to both national scientific progress and global space research. The mission also highlighted China's growing expertise in reusable spacecraft, paving the way for future missions requiring controlled re-entry and recovery.

## Notable For
- **Recoverable Design**: Part of China's FSW series, designed for controlled re-entry and retrieval.  
- **Scientific Focus**: Conducted agricultural and biological experiments funded by China's Ministry of Agriculture.  
- **Precision Landing**: Successfully landed in Suining, showcasing China's recovery capabilities.  

## Body
### Mission Overview
- Launched on September 9, 2006, Shijian-8 was part of China's Shijian satellite series.  
- Operated by the Xi'an Satellite Control Center, it completed its mission in low Earth orbit before returning to Earth on September 24, 2006.  

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: Approximately 3,000 kg.  
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit (exact altitude not specified).  
- **Manufacturer**: China Association for Science and Technology.  

### Launch and Recovery
- **Launch Site**: Jiuquan Launch Complex 43/94.  
- **Landing Site**: Suining, China.  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 2C (Y16).  

### Scientific Contributions
- Funded by China's Ministry of Agriculture, the satellite carried experiments aimed at improving agricultural and biological research.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.gov.cn/jrzg/2006-09/24/content_397138.htm)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sj-8.htm)
3. Jonathan's Space Report