# Tianzhou 4

> unmaned cargo spacecraft created by China

**Wikidata**: [Q108809373](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108809373)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianzhou_4)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tianzhou-4

## Summary
Tianzhou 4 is an unmanned cargo spacecraft developed by China as part of its Tianzhou-class resupply missions. Launched on May 9, 2022, it was designed to deliver supplies and equipment to the Tiangong Space Station, playing a critical role in China's space program.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: May 9, 2022, aboard a Long March 7 Y5 rocket.
- **Operator**: China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
- **Mission**: Resupply mission to the Tiangong Space Station.
- **Mass**: 272,484 kg (including cargo).
- **Predecessor**: Tianzhou 3 (launched in 2021).
- **Successor**: Tianzhou 5 (launched in November 2022).
- **Country**: People's Republic of China.
- **Manufacturer**: China Academy of Space Technology (CAST).

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Tianzhou 4?
A: Tianzhou 4 was an unmanned cargo spacecraft launched to resupply the Tiangong Space Station with essential supplies, equipment, and fuel.

### Q: When was Tianzhou 4 launched?
A: It was launched on May 9, 2022, using a Long March 7 Y5 rocket.

### Q: What happened to Tianzhou 4 after its mission?
A: Tianzhou 4 deorbited on November 14, 2022, after completing its resupply mission.

### Q: How does Tianzhou 4 compare to other Tianzhou missions?
A: It was the fourth mission in the Tianzhou series, following Tianzhou 3 and preceding Tianzhou 5, all of which served similar resupply roles for Tiangong.

### Q: Who operated Tianzhou 4?
A: The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) operated the mission.

## Why It Matters
Tianzhou 4 was a key component of China's efforts to maintain and expand its Tiangong Space Station, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in space logistics and long-duration human spaceflight. As part of a series of automated cargo missions, it ensured the station remained stocked with necessary supplies, enabling continuous scientific research and crew rotations. The success of Tianzhou 4 reinforced China's position as a major player in space exploration, showcasing its ability to sustain a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit independently. This mission also contributed to the broader goal of advancing China's space infrastructure, paving the way for future ambitions, including lunar and deep-space missions.

## Notable For
- **First automated docking**: Successfully docked with the Tiangong Space Station without human intervention.
- **High cargo capacity**: Carried approximately 272,484 kg of supplies, one of the heaviest payloads in the Tianzhou series.
- **Rapid turnover**: Operated for about six months before deorbiting, ensuring efficient resupply cycles.
- **Part of a continuous series**: Represented China's fourth successful Tianzhou mission, demonstrating reliability in cargo delivery.
- **Support for crewed missions**: Enabled extended stays for taikonauts by providing essential resources.

## Body
### Overview
Tianzhou 4 was an unmanned cargo spacecraft developed by China as part of its Tianzhou-class resupply program. It was designed to transport supplies, fuel, and equipment to the Tiangong Space Station, supporting China's ambitions for a permanent human presence in space.

### Launch and Mission Details
- **Launch Date**: May 9, 2022.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 7 Y5 rocket.
- **Launch Site**: Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, Hainan, China.
- **Mission Duration**: Approximately six months (May 9, 2022 – November 14, 2022).
- **Primary Objective**: Resupply the Tiangong Space Station with cargo and propellant.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 272,484 kg (total mass, including cargo).
- **Operator**: China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
- **Manufacturer**: China Academy of Space Technology (CAST).
- **Docking**: Automated docking with the Tiangong Space Station.

### Mission Timeline
- **May 9, 2022**: Launch from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center.
- **May 10, 2022**: Successful docking with the Tiangong Space Station.
- **November 9, 2022**: Undocking from the space station.
- **November 14, 2022**: Controlled deorbit and re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

### Role in China's Space Program
Tianzhou 4 was part of China's broader strategy to develop a self-sufficient space station. It followed the successful missions of Tianzhou 1, 2, and 3, each of which tested and refined cargo delivery systems. The mission demonstrated China's ability to conduct regular, reliable resupply operations, a critical capability for long-term space habitation.

### Comparison with Other Tianzhou Missions
- **Tianzhou 3**: Predecessor mission, launched in September 2021.
- **Tianzhou 5**: Successor mission, launched in November 2022, continuing the resupply chain.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "Tianzhou 4",
  "description": "An unmanned cargo spacecraft created by China to resupply the Tiangong Space Station.",
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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report