SHENZHOU-8 (SZ-8) (37859)

COSPAR: 2011-063A | Alt Name: Shenzhou 8
DECAYED

Image
SHENZHOU-8 (SZ-8) Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

October 31, 2011

Launch Site

JSC

Launch Pad

LC921

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 2F

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

37859

International Designator

2011-063A

Decay Date

11/17/2011

Basic Satellite Info

Name

SHENZHOU-8 (SZ-8)

Alternative Name

Shenzhou 8

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

CMSEO

Country

China

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
SHENZHOU-8 (SZ-8), also known as Shenzhou 8, is a crewed spacecraft launched by China on October 31, 2011, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using the Chang Zheng 2F launch vehicle. The satellite measures 9.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 3.2 meters with a span of 17 meters. It consists of a service module, return module, and an orbital module equipped with a docking collar. SHENZHOU-8 weighs approximately 3240 kg at launch and dry mass is also reported as 3240 kg. The spacecraft is powered by two deployable solar arrays and batteries, and it has four retro motors for propulsion. It was manufactured by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) and operated under the ownership of CMSEO. Its mission purpose was to serve as a crewed spacecraft.
Physical Characteristics

Length

9.3

Diameter

3.2

Span

17

Dry Mass

3240

Launch Mass

3240

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

16.0843

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Shenzhou 8 Fanhui Cang

Purpose

Crewed spacecraft

Mission

Crewed spacecraft

Manufacturer

CALT

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Shenzhou

Configuration

Service module, Return module, orbital Module with docking collar

Motor

4 x retro motors

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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