# Tianzhou 5

> 2022 Chinese resupply spaceflight to the Tiangong Space Station

**Wikidata**: [Q112119394](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q112119394)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianzhou_5)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tianzhou-5

## Summary
Tianzhou 5 is a 2022 Chinese resupply mission to the Tiangong Space Station, launched on November 12, 2022. It was the fifth flight of the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft class and delivered supplies to the station's Tianhe core module. The spacecraft remained docked for over four months before reentering Earth's atmosphere in September 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Tianzhou cargo spacecraft (part of China's human spaceflight program)
- **Launch date**: November 12, 2022, at 02:03:12 UTC from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
- **Launch vehicle**: Long March 7 (Y6 variant)
- **Operator**: China National Space Administration
- **Manufacturer**: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
- **Duration**: 437,709 minutes (approximately 318 days) in orbit
- **Docking**: Connected to the Tianhe module twice—first in November 2022, then again in June 2023
- **Reentry**: Atmospheric entry occurred on September 12, 2023, at 01:13 UTC
- **Preceded by**: Tianzhou 4 (2021)
- **Followed by**: Tianzhou 6 (2023)
- **Orbit**: Low Earth orbit
- **COSPAR ID**: 2022-152A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of Tianzhou 5?
A: Tianzhou 5 was a resupply mission to the Tiangong Space Station, delivering cargo, propellant, and other supplies to the Tianhe core module.

### Q: How long did Tianzhou 5 stay docked to Tiangong?
A: The spacecraft docked twice—first for 250,746 minutes (approximately 176 days) in 2022, then again for 140,496 minutes (approximately 97 days) in 2023.

### Q: What launch vehicle carried Tianzhou 5?
A: The mission was launched by a Long March 7 (Y6 variant) rocket from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center.

### Q: When did Tianzhou 5 reenter Earth's atmosphere?
A: The spacecraft reentered on September 12, 2023, at 01:13 UTC.

### Q: What was unique about Tianzhou 5's mission?
A: Tianzhou 5 was the first Tianzhou spacecraft to perform a second docking with Tiangong, demonstrating extended operational capabilities.

## Why It Matters
Tianzhou 5 played a crucial role in sustaining China's Tiangong Space Station by delivering essential supplies and propellant. Its successful mission validated the reliability of the Tianzhou cargo system and supported long-duration human spaceflight operations. The spacecraft's ability to dock twice extended its operational lifespan, contributing to the station's continuous habitation. Tianzhou 5 also highlighted China's advancements in autonomous rendezvous and docking technologies, reinforcing its position as a key player in space exploration.

## Notable For
- First Tianzhou spacecraft to perform a second docking with Tiangong.
- Longest-duration Tianzhou mission (437,709 minutes in orbit).
- Delivered critical supplies to support Tiangong's first crewed missions.
- Demonstrated extended operational capabilities for China's space resupply system.
- Contributed to the sustained operation of the Tiangong Space Station.

## Body
### Mission Overview
Tianzhou 5 was launched on November 12, 2022, atop a Long March 7 rocket from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. The spacecraft successfully docked with the Tianhe core module of the Tiangong Space Station, delivering approximately 6 metric tons of cargo, including supplies, propellant, and scientific equipment. The mission marked the fifth flight of the Tianzhou class and the first to perform a second docking with Tiangong.

### Operational Phases
The spacecraft's first docking occurred on November 12, 2022, at 04:10 UTC, lasting 250,746 minutes (approximately 176 days). After undocking, Tianzhou 5 was repositioned for a second docking on June 5, 2023, at 19:10 UTC, which lasted 140,496 minutes (approximately 97 days). The spacecraft remained in orbit for a total of 437,709 minutes before reentering Earth's atmosphere on September 12, 2023, at 01:13 UTC.

### Significance
Tianzhou 5's mission was significant for several reasons. It demonstrated the Tianzhou system's ability to support extended operational periods, a critical capability for sustaining human spaceflight. The spacecraft's successful second docking validated China's autonomous rendezvous and docking technologies. Additionally, Tianzhou 5 contributed to the Tiangong Space Station's continuous operation, supporting crewed missions and scientific research.

### Legacy
Tianzhou 5's achievements set a precedent for future cargo missions to Tiangong, reinforcing China's capabilities in space resupply and long-duration spaceflight. The mission also highlighted the reliability of the Tianzhou spacecraft, which has since become a cornerstone of China's human spaceflight program.

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## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report