# Tianzhou 8

> 2024 Chinese resupply spaceflight

**Wikidata**: [Q130377064](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q130377064)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianzhou_8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tianzhou-8

## Summary
Tianzhou 8 is a Chinese cargo spacecraft that launched on November 15, 2024, to resupply the Chinese space station. It is the eighth spacecraft in the Tianzhou series, following Tianzhou 7 and launched by a Long March 7 rocket from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center.

## Key Facts
- Tianzhou 8 launched on November 15, 2024
- It is classified as a Tianzhou-class Chinese cargo spacecraft
- The mission used a Long March 7 launch vehicle
- The spacecraft launched from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
- Its COSPAR identifier is 2024-211A
- It follows Tianzhou 7 in the spacecraft series
- The spacecraft has 7 Wikipedia sitelinks across multiple languages
- It is represented by the SC number 61983

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of Tianzhou 8?
A: Tianzhou 8 is a resupply spacecraft designed to transport cargo, experiments, and supplies to the Chinese space station. It is part of China's ongoing efforts to maintain a human presence in orbit through regular cargo deliveries.

### Q: Which rocket launched Tianzhou 8?
A: Tianzhou 8 was launched using a Long March 7 rocket, a Chinese medium-lift launch vehicle specifically designed for cargo missions to the Chinese space station.

### Q: When and where did Tianzhou 8 launch?
A: The spacecraft launched on November 15, 2024, from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island, China's primary launch site for its space station program.

### Q: What comes after Tianzhou 8 in the series?
A: The information provided doesn't specify which mission will follow Tianzhou 8, but the pattern suggests another resupply flight will continue the series of cargo missions to the Chinese space station.

## Why It Matters
Tianzhou 8 represents a critical component of China's ongoing space station operations, ensuring the sustained presence of astronauts in orbit through regular cargo deliveries. These resupply missions enable long-term scientific research experiments, crew rotations, and technology demonstrations that advance China's capabilities in human spaceflight. The consistent operation of the Tianzhou spacecraft demonstrates China's growing maturity in space logistics and its commitment to maintaining a permanent human presence in low Earth orbit. Each successful resupply mission strengthens China's position as a major space power and contributes to the broader international effort of space exploration and utilization.

## Notable For
- Part of the Chinese space station resupply program
- Operated by the People's Republic of China
- One of multiple Tianzhou cargo spacecraft in service
- Has multilingual Wikipedia representation (7 languages)
- Uses the Long March 7 launch vehicle, China's dedicated cargo launch system

## Body
### Mission Overview
Tianzhou 8 is the eighth spacecraft in China's Tianzhou cargo spacecraft series, designed specifically for resupply missions to the Tiangong space station. The mission follows the established pattern of Tianzhou spacecraft operations, delivering essential cargo, experiments, and supplies to support ongoing space station activities.

### Technical Specifications
- SC number: 61983
- COSPAR ID: 2024-211A
- Launch date: November 15, 2024
- Launch vehicle: Long March 7
- Launch site: Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
- Preceding mission: Tianzhou 7
- Spacecraft class: Tianzhou (Chinese cargo spacecraft)
- Country of operation: People's Republic of China

### Digital Presence
Tianzhou 8 has a notable online presence with 7 Wikipedia sitelinks across multiple languages including English, Chinese, Russian, Polish, Swedish, and Latvian, reflecting international interest in China's space program. The spacecraft is represented on Wikimedia Commons with the category "Tianzhou-8" and has a dedicated image illustrating the spacecraft design.

### Program Context
Tianzhou 8 operates within China's broader space station program, which is developing as an independent alternative to the International Space Station. The consistent operation of Tianzhou spacecraft demonstrates China's commitment to maintaining its space station through regular resupply missions, supporting the continuous presence of Chinese astronauts in orbit.