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China Aerospace Science and Technology CorporationLaunch SuccessfulHuman ExplorationLong March 2F/G
Launched 2011-10-31 21:58:10 UTCLaunch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Success
Reached Low Earth Orbit
Worldwide
66th
orbital launch attempt in 2011
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
13th
launch this year
Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921)
2nd
launch from this pad this year
Pad turnaround
32 d 8 h
since the pad's previous launch
This is the first docking mission for China's Shenzhou program. Being the first spacecraft to visit the Tiangong-1 space station, it was launched without crew to demonstrate spacecraft rendezvous and docking techniques. The spacecraft docked automatically to the station on 2 November 2011. A second undocking and re-docking to test accuracy and reliability of equipment and sensors in a bright environment was performed on 14 November 2011. Shenzhou 8 undocked on 17 November 2011 and landed safely back on Earth the same day.
Launch Provider
Government · China · Founded 1999 · Chairman & President Lei Fanpei
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.
Launches
621
Successful
605
97%
Landings
1
of 2
Upcoming
7
scheduled
Height
62m
Diameter
3.4m
To low Earth orbit
8,399kg
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