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China's Piloted Space Programme


Tyneside, UK
2025 May 16
Friday, Day 136

Curated by:















zarya.info article at the Space Policy Online website
Launches Related to China's Piloted Programme

The table lists all launches in connection with development of China's piloted spacecraft Shenzhou and the space station that it will eventually serve.

Included in the listing are Shenzhou plus the Tiangong, Tianzhou and BanXing satellites and spacecraft. All Shenzhou missions used a CZ 2F rocket launching out of Jiuquan. Tianzhou vehicles were launched atop a CZ 7 launched from the new Wenchang Space Centre.

In 2021 and 2022, China used its new CZ 5B rocket to launch the three. main modules of the Chinese Space Station (Tianhe, Wentian and Megtian) from Wenchang but current plans will still see Shenzhou departing from Jiuquan.


Shenzhou Orbital Modules

For the first mission only, the orbital module remained attached to the re-entry vehicle, undergoing a destructive re-entry following main vehicle retro-fire and its subsequent separation from the descent module.

On missions two through to six, orbital modules were constructed as independent spacecraft so, after separation prior to the main vehicle retro-fire, they pursued independent research missions using onboard sensors.

On the Shenzhhou 7 mission, the orbital module served as an airlock.

Shenzhou 8 was the first serial production spacecraft produced for routine space station support. Its orbital module was, like Soyuz, designed as an entry portal to Tiangong and Tianhe. It was cast off after retro-fire and re-entered naturally through its orbit being pulled lower by air drag.

Space-Track erroneously Catalogues ALL Shenzhou Orbital Modules as payloads.


Orbital Parameters

Since the first Shenzhou entered orbit in 1999 there have been some subtle changes in the orbital inclination used. The first two missions in 1999 and 2001 entered orbits at 42°.6. Shenzhou 3, in 2002, used an orbit with a slightly lower 42°.4 inclination and, until 2008 and Shenzhou 7, it was the norm.

In 2011, following a three year hiatus, Tiangong 1 entered orbit at the new inclination of 42°.8 to start a new phase of orbital operations. Tiangong 2 used the same inclination.

As all Shenzhou missions in this period involved rendezvous with Tiangong, it was natural that they too followed suit.

There was another inclination change, in 2021, to 41°.5 when Tianhe was launched from Wenchang. This will be the standard inclination for many years to come.

The variations are probably driven by events on the ground. They might result from something as simple as new construction in the area of the launch pad or the Space Centre, requiring the launcher to depart on a slightly different azimuth in order to avoid direct overflight. If the explanation is more technical then it may never be known.

The change that occurred in 2021 for the space station was probably due to the layout of the Wenchang Space Centre or the island countries downrange. The extra 1° of inclination to match the old values is probably not achievable with the CZ 5 without overflying something significant within the first minutes of ascent.


List of Missions

This list is extracted from the OrbitalFocus database of launches and orbits, and duplicates entries in the annual launch tables.


1999-061
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
1999 Nov 19, 22:30
Shenzhou 1
1999-061A
25956
Re-entered - 1999 Nov 20
Life 1 day Returned to Earth
Test mission to verify the whole Shenzhou launch, support, tracking and recovery concept, particularly the launch vehicle. Precise launch time: 23:30:07 a.m. Retrofire was Nov 20 at 19:00 UTC and Shenzhou landed in Inner Mongolia at 19:41 UTC. It also carried science equipment and 100 kg of seeds to investigate the effects of the orbital environment. Equipped with two, small, fixed panels of solar cells on each of the service module and orbital module. The orbital module carried a range of engineering and science instrument and remained attached to Shenzhou during retro-fire but was then released and underwent a destructive re-entry.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
1999 Nov 20, 14:3666460.0095    20533289.8742.60134


2001-001
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2001 Jan 9, 17:00
Shenzhou 2
2001-001A
26664
Re-entered - 2001 Jan 16
Life 7 days Returned to Earth
Engineering test of Shenzhou spacecraft, also carried scientific equipment. Carried animal specimens including six mice, and small aquatic and terrestrial organisms. There were fifteen scientific experiments in the cabin, 12 in the orbital module and 37 externally, including a microgravity crystallography experiment, cosmic ray and particle detectors and a gamma ray burst detectors. To test the voice communication system, pre-recorded audio messages were played back. Retrofire was Jan 16 at 1015 UTC. The Descent Module landed in Inner Mongolia at 11:22 UTC but may have been seriously damaged after an unintentionally hard landing.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2001 Jan 9, 22:3766450.0104    19733689.8442.58130
2001 Jan 10, 19:5867090.0004    32933491.1642.58209
2001 Jan 12, 22:0067140.0007    33134091.2442.58279
Shenzhou 2 Orbital Module
2001-001C
26687
Re-entered - 2001 Aug 24
Life 227 days
Released from Shenzhou 2 2001 Jan 16. Manoeuvred to higher orbit and then orbital decay brought about a natural re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2001 Jan 16, 14:3467160.0012    33034691.2942.58316
2001 Jan 17, 20:3667740.0010    38940392.4842.59117
2001 Aug 24, 06:2465250.0007    14215187.4242.57304


2002-014
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2002 Mar 25, 14:15
Shenzhou 3
2002-014A
27397
Re-entered - 2002 Apr 1
Life 7 days Returned to Earth
Engineering test of Shenzhou spacecraft, also carried scientific equipment. First Shenzhou vehicle to be equipped with a full life support system. Carried 44 experimentsand a video imager that broadcast from one of the portholes. As a communications test, a pre-recorded female voice was transmitted. Landed Inner Mongolia Apr 1 at 08:51 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2002 Mar 26, 01:5567130.0004    33233891.2342.40272
Shenzhou 3 Orbital Module
2002-014C
27408
Re-entered - 2002 Nov 12
Life 232 days
Released from Shenzhou 3 2002 Apr 1. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry 2002 Nov 12, approx 06:38 UTC over the Indian Ocean off western Australia. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2002 Apr 1, 10:2967130.0007    33033991.2242.41322
2002 Apr 1, 20:5067340.0003    35335791.6542.40262
2002 Apr 24, 21:1567060.0005    32433191.0842.4045
2002 Apr 25, 05:5967630.0004    38238892.2642.4151
2002 Jun 10, 12:5367420.0010    35737191.8242.418
2002 Jun 13, 16:1067410.0010    35636991.7942.4132
2002 Jun 14, 08:4167580.0007    37638592.1642.41284
2002 Nov 11, 23:5465450.0004    16416987.8342.40269


2002-061
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2002 Dec 29, 16:40
Shenzhou 4
2002-061A
27630
Re-entered - 2003 Jan 5
Life 7 days Returned to Earth
Engineering an flight qualification test of piloted spacecraft. Landed Inner Mongolia Jan 5 at 11:16 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2002 Dec 29, 23:4766430.0100    19833289.8042.41131
2002 Dec 31, 00:2767120.0004    33133791.2142.41170
Shenzhou 4 Orbital Module
2002-061C
27634
Re-entered - 2003 Sep 9
Life 254 days
Released from Shenzhou 4 2003 Jan 5. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2003 Feb 9, 15:2067170.0011    33134691.3142.4274
2003 Feb 10, 04:4867400.0005    35936691.7942.42288
2003 Mar 1, 22:0067300.0001    35135291.5742.42265
2003 Mar 2, 11:1967440.0011    35937391.8642.41300
2003 Apr 21, 22:1467320.0014    34436391.6142.42147
2003 Apr 22, 22:5867420.0027    34638391.8342.41190
2003 Sep 9, 03:5965170.0016    12814987.2642.40301


2003-045
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2003 Oct 15, 01:00
Shenzhou 5
2003-045A
28043
Re-entered - 2003 Oct 16
Life 1 day Returned to Earth
First piloted mission by Shenzhou spacecraft. Carried a single crew member, Yang Liwei. One onboard experiment involved exposing crop seeds from Taiwan to the orbital environment. Landed in Inner Mongolia Oct 15 at 22:23.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2003 Oct 15, 08:0767130.0001    33433691.2442.42251
Shenzhou 5 Orbital Module
2003-045G
28049
Re-entered - 2004 May 30
Life 228 days
Released from Shenzhou 5 2003 Oct 15. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2003 Oct 16, 00:5067130.0002    33333691.2242.43250
2003 Oct 21, 16:2767090.0002    33033291.1442.43270
2003 Oct 22, 01:2267210.0005    34034691.4042.43260
2003 Nov 2, 22:5667090.0003    32933391.1542.43345
2003 Nov 4, 22:1767260.0007    34335291.4942.43272
2003 Nov 11, 18:4467220.0007    33934891.4142.43303
2003 Nov 13, 14:5267390.0007    35736691.7742.43262
2003 Dec 24, 11:2767210.0008    33834891.4042.43193
2003 Dec 25, 00:4567290.0010    34435791.5542.43128
2003 Dec 31, 06:2467260.0012    34035691.5042.43177
2003 Dec 31, 11:0667420.0034    34138791.8342.42157
2004 May 30, 01:1665190.0010    13414887.3142.41276


2005-040
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2005 Oct 12, 01:00
Shenzhou 6
2005-040A
28879
Re-entered - 2005 Oct 16
Life 4 days Returned to Earth
Piloted mision carrying crew of two - Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng. For the first time, a Shenzhou crew entered the Orbital Module. Retrofire Oct 16 at 19:45 UTC led to a landing in Inner Mongolia at 20:33 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2005 Oct 12, 08:0767120.0006    33033891.2142.41186
Shenzhou 6 Orbital Module
2005-040E
28883
Re-entered - 2008 Apr 1
Life 902 days
Released from Shenzhou 5 2005 Oct 16 at 19:44 UTC. Equipped with experiments and sensor payload. Orbit maintained by multiple thruster firings before natural decay brought about re-entry. Equipped with extending solar panel array, the final Shenzhou OM to be used as an independent satellite.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2005 Oct 17, 02:2067140.0004    33333991.2542.43226
2005 Oct 19, 13:5467150.0005    33434191.2842.42237
2005 Oct 20, 03:0367250.0005    34435191.4842.42215
2005 Dec 12, 13:4567140.0004    33333991.2642.42196
2005 Dec 13, 05:5867300.0008    34635791.5742.42278
2006 Jan 20, 22:0767230.0004    34234891.4442.42203
2006 Jan 21, 09:5267290.0008    34535691.5542.42277
2006 Mar 18, 15:0167200.0006    33834691.3742.42333
2006 Mar 19, 05:5667300.0006    34735691.5742.43270
2006 May 28, 04:5867160.0001    33733991.2942.4221
2006 May 28, 12:4167300.0007    34735691.5742.43266
2006 Sep 5, 10:0267170.0008    33434591.3242.42243
2006 Sep 5, 20:2767290.0007    34635691.5642.42264
2007 Jan 11, 18:1567050.0007    32233291.0742.4250
2007 Jan 12, 04:4067110.0009    32733991.1942.42350
2007 Jan 27, 07:3067080.0007    32533591.1242.42115
2007 Jan 27, 20:5767120.0002    33233591.2042.42128
2007 Jun 6, 01:5867120.0008    32833991.2142.428
2007 Jun 6, 11:3167200.0007    33734791.3742.42273
2008 Apr 1, 13:0765120.0004    13113687.1542.3911


2008-047
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2008 Sep 25, 13:10
Shenzhou 7
2008-047A
33386
Re-entered - 2008 Sep 28
Life 3 days Returned to Earth
Piloted mission carrying Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng. Sep 27 at 08:34 UTC Zhai Zhigang wearing a Chinese-made Feitian EVA suit and Liu Boming wearing a Russian Sea Hawk EVA suit undertook a 26 minutes (approximately) spacewalk, Zhai spent 19m 35s outside the spacecraft. Used the Tianlian 1-01 communications satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Landed In Inner Mongolia Sep 28 at 09:37 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2008 Sep 25, 14:1866440.0098    20033189.8242.41125
2008 Sep 25, 20:1767120.0005    33033791.2042.40274
BanXing 1 (Companion Satellite 1)
2008-047G
33392
Re-entered - 2009 Oct 30
Life 400 days
Released from Shenzhou 7 Sep 27 at 11:24 UTC. 40 kg manoeuvrable satellite, built by Shanghai Micro-satellite Engineering Center, to test rendezvous procedures with Shenzhou 7 - manoeuvred seven times during the test. Also transmitted images of the main spacecraft in orbit. Still operating at end of life when re-entered naturally 2009 October 30 around 03:30 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2008 Sep 27, 19:3467120.0007    32933991.2242.40283


2011-053
CZ 2F/G
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Sep 29, 13:16
Tiangong 1
2011-053A
37820
Re-entered - 2018 Apr 2
Life 2377 days
Small laboratory, 8.5 tonnes mass (9 tonnes including propellant), for docking experiments during visits by the unpiloted Shenzhou 8 (2011 Oct 31 - Nov 17), Shenzhou 9 (2012 Jun 16-29) and Shenzhou 10, both piloted. Precise lift-off time 13:16:03 UTC at the opening of a fifteen minute launch window. Originally anticipated life was two years. Early 2016, mission control announced that it had lost communication with Tiangong 1 and that its orbit would decay naturally, leading to uncontrolled re-entry. Launch delayed several times from 2010 by design/construction issues and investigation of the 2011 Aug 18 CZ-2C launch vehicle failure.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Sep 29, 20:3966500.0110    19934589.9542.78132
2011 Sep 30, 19:1167230.0014    33535591.4442.7840
2011 Oct 5, 19:3867200.0010    33534991.3742.7881
2011 Oct 28, 05:3567130.0007    33033991.2242.79253
2011 Nov 15, 11:4567100.0005    32833591.1642.79359
2011 Nov 18, 14:1867510.0008    36837992.0142.79212
2012 Mar 23, 03:2367240.0012    33835491.4642.78342
2012 Mar 23, 17:3967370.0008    35336491.7142.78344
2012 May 26, 13:2367210.0009    33734991.3942.7878
2012 Jun 10, 18:5067110.0004    33033691.1942.78242
2012 Jun 11, 18:0167070.0011    32133691.1042.78235
2012 Jun 14, 01:4267060.0012    32033591.0842.78249
2012 Jun 14, 18:3667110.0007    32833891.2042.80181
2012 Jun 28, 04:5767090.0006    32733691.1642.78333
2012 Jun 28, 12:1567100.0002    33033391.1642.79269
2012 Jun 28, 13:4267230.0016    33435591.4342.78102
2012 Jun 29, 07:5567390.0008    35536691.7642.78315
2012 Jul 5, 16:5467380.0008    35436591.7442.78315
2012 Aug 30, 10:2367280.0008    34435691.5442.78357
2012 Sep 16, 04:2667350.0008    35136391.6842.78336
2012 Oct 15, 09:2267270.0005    34635391.5242.78197
2012 Oct 15, 17:2567370.0021    34537391.7342.78207
2012 Oct 16, 11:3367490.0005    36737491.9542.78233
2013 Feb 4, 04:1367260.0002    34734991.5042.7870
2013 Feb 4, 13:3567370.0016    34837091.7342.78227
2013 Feb 5, 05:5967440.0006    36236991.8642.77226
2013 May 21, 02:5767190.0004    33934491.3642.78157
2013 May 22, 00:2667150.0005    33334191.2742.78231
2013 Jun 5, 06:1767100.0005    32933691.1842.78299
2013 Jun 6, 05:0067090.0005    32733491.1542.78315
2013 Jun 9, 04:2067070.0007    32533491.1242.78300
2013 Jun 10, 03:0467130.0007    33034091.2342.78277
2013 Jun 25, 03:4667090.0005    32733491.1542.78333
2013 Jun 25, 11:4767220.0013    33535391.4242.7793
2013 Jun 26, 09:0067390.0007    35636691.7642.77278
2013 Sep 11, 08:0867240.0006    34235091.4642.78139
2013 Sep 11, 20:1167390.0009    35436791.7542.77319
2014 Feb 18, 05:1867170.0012    33134791.3142.78230
2014 Feb 18, 18:5567360.0041    33138691.7142.77242
2014 Feb 19, 17:4267590.0010    37438792.1642.78278
2014 Jul 16, 07:3667220.0014    33435391.4042.77209
2014 Jul 16, 22:4167340.0030    33637791.6742.77245
2014 Nov 25, 12:3867210.0009    33734991.4042.7719
2014 Nov 26, 03:4367460.0026    35038691.9042.78234
2014 Nov 26, 06:5567590.0017    36939292.1642.77187
2015 Apr 9, 02:1667200.0010    33534891.3642.77342
2015 Apr 9, 14:4367410.0042    33539191.8042.7726
2015 Apr 10, 23:0767710.0012    38540192.4242.77282


2011-063
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2011 Oct 31, 21:58
Shenzhou 8
2011-063A
37859
Re-entered - 2011 Nov 17
Life 17 days Returned to Earth
Test mission using piloted spacecraft in automatic mode to undertake docking operations with Tiangong 1 (2011-053A/37820). First serial production model of Shenzhou. Docked Nov 2 at 17:28 UTC and the two vehicles were locked together eight minutes later. Undocked Nov 14 at 11:27 UTC, backed off to 140m distance, and re-docked shortly after at 11:53 UTC as a test of spacecraft sensors at a low Sun angle. Undocked for landing Nov 16 at 10:44 UTC. Landed Nov 17 at 11:32:14 UTC in inner Mongolia near 42°.2 north, 111°.3 east. The mission was flown as a biosatellite with a payload of plants and animals. - part of the payload was DLR of Germany's SIMBOX (Science in Microgravity Box).

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2011 Nov 1, 14:3866660.0040    26231590.2842.79138
2011 Nov 2, 13:2366990.0009    31532790.9442.78269
2011 Nov 3, 12:0467110.0008    32833891.1942.79285
2011 Nov 15, 06:2167100.0005    32833591.1642.79354
2011 Nov 17, 06:5567130.0002    33333691.2242.7978
estimated orbit66360.0084    20231389.6642.78134


2012-032
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2012 Jun 16, 10:37
Shenzhou 9
2012-032A
38461
Re-entered - 2012 Jun 29
Life 13 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Jing Haipeng (Commander), Liu Wang (Flight Engineer) and Liu Yang (Mission Engineer), to Tiangong 1. Second Mission for Jing Haipeng after Shenzhou 7, Liu Yang is female. First stage ignition 10:37:21 UTC with launch/lift-off 3s later. Spacecraft separation was at 10:46:55 UTC, about 11s earlier than planned. Shenzhou 9 docked with Tiangong 1 Jun 18 at 06:07 UTC. On Jun 24 at 03:10 UTC, it undocked and moved 140m in front of Tiangong from where it re-docked under manual control (Liu Wang) at 04:48 UTC. Undocked Jun 28 at 01:22 UTC - after falling behind by 5 km, it was brought back automatically to 140m distance from where it then departed. Retrofire Jun 29 at 01:17 UTC led to a landing in Inner Mongolia near 42° north, 111° east at 02:02:50 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2012 Jun 16, 16:3866360.0084    20231389.6642.71134
2012 Jun 16, 21:1266670.0040    26231690.2942.78136
2012 Jun 17, 16:4467000.0008    31632790.9542.78262
2012 Jun 18, 13:5267120.0008    32833991.2042.78279
2012 Jun 28, 13:1767140.0002    33533891.2642.78125


2013-029
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2013 Jun 11, 09:38
Shenzhou 10
2013-029A
39179
Re-entered - 2013 Jun 26
Life 15 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Nie Haisheng (Commander), Zhang Xiaoguang (Flight Engineer) and Wang Yaping (Mission Engineer) to Tiangong 1. Automatic approach to Tiangong 1 initiated June 13 02:48 UTC. Docked at 05:11 UTC with latches secured at 05:18 UTC. Undocked June 23 at 00:26 UTC, carrying its crew, and moved away from Tiangong 1. At 01:52 UTC, Nie Haisheng initiated a manually controlled approach, docking with Tiangong at 02:00, latches were fully secured at 02:07 UTC. Undocked Jun 25 at 23:05 UTC and flew in formation with Tiangong to test varying approach scenarios, re-docked briefly (probably without retracting the docking ring) then departed for a landing. Retro-fire Jun 25 about 23:18 UTC led to landing in Mongolia June 26 at 00:07 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2013 Jun 11, 15:3966350.0089    19831689.6542.78132
2013 Jun 11, 17:0366660.0040    26131490.2642.78138
2013 Jun 11, 21:4566670.0040    26231690.2942.78136
2013 Jun 12, 18:4566990.0009    31532790.9542.78290
2013 Jun 13, 12:5167120.0008    32933991.2142.78295
2013 Jun 25, 03:5167090.0005    32733491.1442.79337
2013 Jun 25, 13:0767130.0004    33333791.2342.78134


2016-057
CZ 2F/G
Jiuquan Space Centre
2016 Sep 15, 14:04
Tiangong 2
2016-057A
41765
Re-entered - 2019 Jul 19
Life 1037 days
Small laboratory, 8.5 tonnes mass (9.5 tonnes including fuel), for docking experiments during visits by the Shenzhou 11 crew carrying mission (2016 Oct 18 - Nov 17), and Tianzhou-1 (2017-021A/42684) supply vehicle (2017 April - September). Destructive re-entry followed retro-fire with any surviving fragments impacting in the southern Pacific Ocean.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Sep 15, 18:1166440.0103    19733489.8242.79130
2016 Sep 19, 19:2066280.0086    19330789.5042.79161
2016 Sep 20, 01:0767520.0006    37037892.0342.7864
2016 Sep 24, 23:2467590.0010    37438792.1642.79177
2016 Sep 25, 15:4967640.0005    38238992.2742.78120
2017 Mar 4, 23:5167500.0008    36737891.9942.78234
2017 Mar 5, 13:2467580.0009    37438692.1542.78251
2017 Apr 4, 20:2367560.0006    37438292.1242.78107
2017 Apr 15, 22:1067630.0007    38139092.2642.79255
2017 Oct 14, 11:5967680.0003    38839292.3642.78332
2017 Nov 3, 17:4667670.0002    38839192.3442.78163
2017 Nov 4, 06:2067680.0002    38839192.3542.78156
2018 Jun 12, 21:3967610.0005    38038692.2242.79244
2018 Jun 14, 12:3266740.0004    29329990.4342.78261
2018 Jun 21, 20:4666720.0004    29129790.4042.79316
2018 Jun 23, 17:0667690.0008    38539692.3742.78303
2019 Jul 18, 08:0967600.0006    37838692.1942.78122
2019 Jul 18, 20:0666590.0144    18537790.1342.78269
2019 Jul 19, 06:4566590.0143    18537690.1242.78273
Banxing 2
2016-057H
41834
Re-entered - 2019 Jul 15
Life 1033 days
Micro-satellite built by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, carrying cameras and equipped with a cold gas thruster system. Ejected by a spring mechanism from Tiangong 2 2016 Oct 22 at 22:31 UTC and used to photograph the station while docked with Shenzhou 11 (2016-061A/41812). It made several minor orbit adjustments while in the vicinity of Tiangong 2 to allow it to move away and return.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Oct 24, 08:4867580.0007    37538492.1442.79350
2019 Jul 8, 20:5465890.0016    20022188.7142.77273
2019 Jul 15, 20:2964990.0012    11312986.9042.74179


2016-061
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2016 Oct 16, 23:30
Shenzhou 11
2016-061A
41812
Re-entered - 2016 Nov 18
Life 33 days Returned to Earth
Carried Jing Haipeng (commander) and Chen Dong (engineer) to Tiangong 2. Docked Oct 18 at 19:24 UTC and the crew entered Tiangong at 22:32 UTC. Undocked 2016 Nov 17 at 04:41 UTC, after 29.4 days. Landed in the Siziwang Banner area of Inner Mongolia Nov 18 at 05:59 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2016 Oct 17, 11:5866570.0123    19736190.0942.79132
2016 Oct 17, 14:5867290.0023    33536691.5542.78141
2016 Oct 18, 12:1467490.0008    36637691.9742.79268
2016 Oct 18, 16:5067620.0008    37938992.2342.79278
2016 Nov 15, 17:5667560.0009    37238492.1142.78185
2016 Nov 17, 17:2667590.0025    36339892.1642.80356


2017-021
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2017 Apr 20, 11:41
Tianzhou 1
2017-021A
42684
Re-entered - 2017 Sep 22
Life 155 days
Spacecraft to test propellant transfer to China's future large space station. Docked with Tiangong 2 (2016-057A/41765) 2017 Apr 22 at 04:16 UTC with latches engaged at 04:23 UTC. Completed a propellant transfer Apr 27 at 11:07 UTC and completed a second one Jun 15 at 10:28 UTC. Each operation took five days. Undocked 2017 Jun 19 and conducted a fly-around of Tiangong 2. Docked a second time with Tiangong 2 on Jun 19 at about 06:48 UTC with latches angaged at 06:55 UTC. Undocked Jun 21 at 09:47 UTC. Docked with Tiangong 2 for a third time 2017 Sep 12 at about 15:50 UTC after an approach to simulate a short duration launch-docking mission, similar to Soyuz. Latches were engaged at 15:58 UTC. Completed a three-day propellant transfer test Sep 16 at 12:17 UTC. Undocked Sep 17 at 08:15 UTC. Retro-fire Sep 22 at around 12:00 UTC led to destructive re-entry about 45 mins later with any surviving fragments hitting the southern Pacific Ocean.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2017 Apr 20, 20:4267180.0044    31136991.3342.79181
2017 Apr 21, 17:5467510.0008    36737892.0042.78276
2017 Apr 22, 16:5367630.0007    38039092.2542.79289
2017 Jun 14, 14:3367620.0011    37739192.2342.78314
2017 Jun 19, 13:0267640.0010    37939392.2842.782
2017 Jun 21, 13:5767730.0003    39339792.4542.78274
2017 Sep 11, 06:2867710.0000    39339392.4142.78104
2017 Sep 12, 06:5066950.0186    19344190.8642.25230
2017 Sep 13, 07:2667690.0002    39039392.3842.78167
Silu 1 (Silk Road 1)
2017-021F
42903
Re-entered - 2019 Apr 11
Life 721 days
3U Cubesat carrying development versions of sensors to be used in a future Earth observation constellation. Released from Tianzhou 1 2017 Aug 1, possibly as a test of a cubesat deployment mechanism for use on a space station.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2017 Aug 2, 21:3567690.0007    38739592.3742.79226


2021-035
CZ 5B
Wenchang Space Centre
2021 Apr 29, 03:23
Tianhe
2021-035A
48274
in space
Core module of Chinese space station, designed for expansion using additional modules. It is capable of receiving Shenzhou and Tianzhou spacecraft to deliver crews and supplies.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 Apr 29, 09:1166550.0159    17138290.0441.47170
2021 Apr 29, 12:2167120.0075    28438491.2241.48172
2021 Apr 29, 13:5467170.0079    28639291.3141.47167
2021 Apr 29, 18:3267470.0024    35338591.9241.47181
2021 May 13, 07:4267500.0019    36038591.9941.47278
2021 May 23, 23:4167310.0015    34336491.6041.47231
2021 May 27, 17:3967350.0021    34337191.6841.45249
2021 May 29, 14:1167510.0006    36937692.0041.472
2021 Jun 4, 06:4967510.0005    37037692.0041.4745
2021 Jun 4, 14:0167590.0008    37638692.1741.47220
2021 Jun 29, 12:3667580.0007    37538592.1541.4721
2021 Jun 30, 02:0567580.0007    37538492.1541.4735
2021 Jul 1, 12:1367580.0007    37538492.1441.4759
2021 Jul 2, 01:5367590.0007    37638592.1641.4749
2021 Jul 4, 05:5467590.0007    37638592.1641.4762
2021 Sep 1, 07:1867560.0007    37438392.1241.47165
2021 Sep 1, 20:4267610.0001    38238492.2241.47256
2021 Sep 17, 05:3567600.0002    38038492.2041.47282
2021 Sep 18, 04:3967610.0004    38138692.2241.47268
2021 Oct 21, 02:5867610.0002    38238592.2241.47266
2021 Oct 21, 13:5567640.0006    38239092.2741.47231
2021 Oct 22, 04:2467640.0007    38139192.2741.47234
2022 Apr 20, 14:5767540.0006    37238092.0741.4729
2022 Apr 21, 16:4767660.0012    38039592.3041.47189
2022 May 12, 07:1767620.0012    37639292.2441.47316
2022 May 13, 01:2767670.0004    38639292.3441.47325
2022 May 31, 04:4367650.0001    38638792.2841.47141
2022 May 31, 13:3167660.0004    38639092.3241.47189
2022 Jul 19, 05:4367580.0004    37838392.1641.47297
2022 Jul 19, 20:1567620.0007    37938992.2341.47247
2022 Sep 27, 09:4967580.0004    37738392.1541.4733
2022 Sep 28, 04:1067620.0003    38238692.2341.47279
2022 Nov 4, 12:2067610.0005    38038692.2141.47291
2022 Nov 4, 15:1867670.0009    38239592.3341.48224
2024 Nov 7, 09:5167690.0010    38439792.3641.47285
2024 Dec 7, 01:3667670.0001    38838992.3341.47161
2025 Apr 7, 00:5967570.0007    37438492.1341.47192
unidentified satellite
2021-035D
62300
Re-entered - 2025 Apr 7
Life 1439 days
Separated from CSS probably 2024 Dec 7, purpose unknown, made minor orbit adjustments Dec 27 and 2025 Jan 4.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Dec 16, 12:5167620.0002    38238592.2341.47237
2024 Dec 27, 09:4567590.0003    37938392.1741.47258
2024 Dec 28, 04:0967590.0002    38038392.1741.47273
2025 Jan 4, 01:4967570.0002    37838092.1341.47266
2025 Jan 4, 20:4067530.0004    37237792.0441.47243
2025 Apr 7, 09:1165610.0004    18018588.1441.45227
unidentified satellite
2021-035E
63523
in space
Separated from CSS 2025 Apr 7, purpose unknown. Date coincides with re-entry of similar object (62300, 2021-035D) that was released from CSS 2024 December 7. A minor thruster firing 2025 April 16 had an insignificant effect on its orbit. A further thruster firing (or firings) April 23, or shortly thereafter, raised the orbit by about 9 kilometres. Space-Track data unavailable for the period April 24 - May 7.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2025 Apr 9, 10:1967560.0008    37238392.1041.46201
2025 Apr 15, 23:3367520.0010    36738192.0341.46235
2025 Apr 16, 19:2867520.0010    36738092.0241.46240
2025 Apr 23, 01:3067480.0011    36237791.9441.46274
estimated orbit67570.0010    37338692.1341.46342
2025 May 8, 08:4467450.0013    35837591.8841.4632


2021-046
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2021 May 29, 12:55
Tianzhou 2
2021-046A
48803
Re-entered - 2022 Mar 31
Life 306 days
Supplies and equipment to Chinese Space Station (CSS) in advance of the Shenzhou 12 crew mission. Docked with the rear port of Tianhe May 29, 21:01 UTC. Undocked 2021 Sep 18 at 02:25 UTC and re-docked with the forward-facing port of Tianhe about four hours later, clearing the rear port for the upcoming Tianzhou 3. 2022 Jan 5 at 22:12 UTC, Tianzhou 2 was undocked using Tianhe's robotic arm. After rotating 20° away from the station's axis and back, it was re-docked at 22:59 UTC. 2022 Jan 7 at about 22:00 UTC, Tianzhou 2 undocked from Tianhe and backed away. At 23:55 UTC it was re-docked at the same, forward, port under manual remote control by the CSS crew. Undocked for final time 2022 March 27 at 07:59 UTC. Retro-fire Mar 31 at around 10:00 UTC, whilst passing over central China. led to destructive re-entry above the southern Pacific Ocean at 10:40 UTC with any surviving debris hitting the ocean surface a few minutes later.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 May 29, 13:1266370.0094    19732289.6941.47176
2021 May 29, 14:1167510.0006    36937692.0041.472
2021 May 29, 17:2267380.0006    35636491.7441.4724
2022 Mar 26, 13:1167570.0007    37338392.1241.47250
2022 Mar 28, 00:3267830.0041    37743392.6641.47183
2022 Mar 30, 00:2067820.0041    37643292.6541.47198


2021-053
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2021 Jun 17, 01:22
Shenzhou 12
2021-053A
48852
Re-entered - 2021 Sep 17
Life 92 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Nie Haisheng (commander), Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo to Chinese Space Station (CSS). Docked with forward-facing port of Tianhe at 07:54 UTC. The crew entered CSS at 10:48 UTC. Undocked 2021 Sep 16 at 00:56 UTC and backed away. It then made a simulated docking with Tianhe's downward-facing port as a rehearsal for the upcoming Shenzhou 13 mission. Orbital module separated from the main spacecraft Sep 17 at 04:43 and retro-fire followed shortly after. The descent module landed in central China at 05:34 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit66370.0094    19732289.6941.47176
2021 Jun 17, 08:5367590.0009    37538792.1741.47301
2021 Sep 16, 06:3767580.0007    37638592.1641.47350
2021 Sep 16, 23:2167650.0004    38439092.3041.55260


2021-085
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2021 Sep 20, 07:10
Tianzhou 3
2021-085A
49222
Re-entered - 2022 Jul 27
Life 310 days
Supplies and equipment to Chinese Space Station (CSS) in advance of the Shenzhou 13 crew mission. Also carries hosted payloads consisting of a set of space science and engineering sensors operated independently of the space station mission, including a detector to scan for orbital space debris. Initial orbit was similar to 2021-085B. Docked with the rear port of Tianhe at 14:08 UTC on the day of launch. Undocked 2022 Apr 19 at 21:02 UTC, following departure of Shenzhou 13. Docked with the forward port of Tianhe Apr 20 at 01:06 UTC. Undocked 2022 Jul 17 at 02:59 UTC. Caused to re-enter above the southern Pacific Ocean 2022 Jul 27 at 03:31 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 Sep 20, 11:2567470.0002    36837191.9341.46269
2021 Sep 20, 13:0367610.0004    38038592.2141.47290
2022 Jul 15, 21:2367590.0004    37838392.1741.47281
2022 Jul 17, 13:5867620.0002    38338592.2341.47126


2021-092
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2021 Oct 15, 16:23
Shenzhou 13
2021-092A
49326
Re-entered - 2022 Apr 16
Life 183 days Returned to Earth
Carried crew of Zhai Zhigang (commander), Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu (the backup crew from Shenzhou 12) to CSS (Chinese Space Station). Docked with the downward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 22:48 UTC with hooks and latches closed at 22:56 UTC. Initial orbit was similar to the rocket stage. The inclination of the first orbit listed may be an error. Undocked, carrying its crew, 2022 Apr 15 at 16:44 UTC. Its orbital module was released Apr 16 at 01:06 UTC and retro-fire occurred shortly after, leading to a landing in Inner Mongolia at 01:56 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2021 Oct 15, 22:2967100.0006    32833591.1742.41158
2021 Oct 16, 04:1467620.0002    38238592.2241.47251
2022 Apr 15, 10:0767550.0007    37238192.0941.47347
2022 Apr 15, 19:4267510.0006    36937792.0141.489


2022-050
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 May 9, 17:56
Tianzhou 4
2022-050A
52509
Re-entered - 2022 Nov 14
Life 189 days
Supplies and equipment to Chinese Space Station (CSS) in advance of the Shenzhou 14 crew mission. Made rendezvous with CSS and the final docking command was issued May 10 at 00:54 UTC. Docked with the rear port of Tianhe a few minutes later. Also includes a set of hosted payloads consisting of a set of space science and engineering sensors operated independently of the space station mission. Undocked 2022 Nov 9, 06:55 UTC. Retro-fire led to re-entry above the southern Pacific Ocean Nov 14, 23:21 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 May 9, 22:1267480.0010    36337691.9341.46288
2022 May 10, 13:5567630.0012    37639392.2441.47306
2022 Nov 8, 13:2767660.0009    38239492.3241.48256
2022 Nov 9, 15:3167660.0010    38139492.3141.48261
2022 Nov 9, 23:2867630.0016    37439592.2441.48271
Zhixing 3A
2022-050E
54245
Re-entered - 2023 Feb 12
Life 279 days
6U Cubesat carrying an Earth imaging system. Released from Tianzhou 4 on Nov 13 at 22:02 UTC, after Tianzhou departed from CSS.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Nov 16, 14:2667630.0015    37539592.2541.48331


2022-060
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2022 Jun 5, 02:44
Shenzhou 14
2022-060A
52797
Re-entered - 2022 Dec 4
Life 182 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Chen Dong (commander), Liu Yang and Cai Xuzhe. Docked with the downward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 09:42 UTC. Initial orbit similar to rocket upper stage. Undocked, carrying original crew, 2022 Dec 4 at 03:01 UTC. Retro-fire at 11:21 UTC led to landing near Jiuquan at about 12:10:29 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Jun 5, 16:2867660.0004    38539192.3141.47221
2022 Dec 2, 14:1067680.0006    38639492.3541.480


2022-085
CZ 5B
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 Jul 24, 06:22
Wentian
2022-085A
53239
in space
Module for Chinese Space Station, precise launch time 06:22:32 UTC, released from launch vehicle at 06:30:47 UTC about 5700 km behind CSS. Docked with forward-facing port of Tianhe module of CSS at 19:13 UTC on day of launch. Transferred to side port of docking module 2022 Sep 30 in ~60 min operation completed at 04:44 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit66190.0089    18230089.3241.45168
2022 Jul 24, 17:0867560.0008    37238492.1141.46227
2022 Jul 24, 17:5267610.0007    37838892.2141.47272
2022 Jul 24, 18:1567620.0007    37938892.2241.47278


2022-143
CZ 5B
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 Oct 31, 07:37
Mengtian
2022-143A
54216
in space
Chinese Space Station module. Separated from launch vehicle at 07:45 UTC. Docked with the forward-facing port of Tianhe at 20:27 UTC on day of launch. Nov 3, after a manoeuvre lasting for about one hour, a robotic arm docked it with a side port opposite Wentian at 01:32 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Oct 31, 11:4566270.0109    17732089.4841.46167
2022 Oct 31, 14:4266900.0032    29133390.7741.52232
2022 Oct 31, 18:0867620.0005    38038792.2241.47272
2022 Oct 31, 22:4767620.0005    38038792.2241.47276


2022-152
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2022 Nov 12, 02:03
Tianzhou 5
2022-152A
54237
Re-entered - 2023 Sep 12
Life 304 days
Supplies to Chinese Space Station - support for the upcoming Shenzhou 15 mission. Inital orbit similar to the CZ 7 rocket stage. Docked with Tianhe rear port 04:10 UTC. 2022 December 18, Tianzhou released the Macau Student Satellite (54816/2021-035C) from its external Cubesat deployer - see launch entry for that date. Undocked 2023 May 5, 07:26:53 UTC and moved away from CSS to await Shenzhou 15 undocking. Docked with Tianhe forward-facing port Jun 5 at 19:10 UTC. Undocked 2023 September 11 at 08:46 UTC. Retro-fire shortly after 00:30 UTC on September 12 resulted in destructive re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere at 01:13 UTC above the southern Pacific Ocean. Any survivng debris would have hit the ocean surface about 10 minutes later.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Nov 12, 09:3467660.0010    38139592.3141.48274
2023 May 5, 02:2767580.0006    37538492.1441.47197
2023 May 6, 06:3567540.0007    37138192.0741.48160
2023 May 23, 04:0067520.0010    36738092.0241.47277
2023 May 23, 15:1267700.0054    35542892.3941.50347
2023 May 24, 10:5667860.0029    38842892.7241.48310
2023 May 24, 19:0367770.0009    39340592.5441.48296
2023 Jun 4, 05:3167760.0007    39340392.5241.4710
2023 Jun 4, 16:5767920.0019    40142792.8441.47260
2023 Jun 5, 06:3167540.0003    37437892.0741.47283
2023 Jun 5, 21:2767660.0004    38639192.3241.48304
2023 Sep 9, 10:5867600.0010    37538992.1941.48333
2023 Sep 11, 10:5967630.0011    37839292.2641.4716


2022-162
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2022 Nov 29, 15:08
Shenzhou 15
2022-162A
54379
Re-entered - 2023 Jun 3
Life 186 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Fei Junlong (commander), Deng Qingming and Zhang Lu. Separated from launch vehicle at 15:17 UTC. Matched orbit with CSS at about 19:30 UTC then docked with the forward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 21:42 UTC. Undocked carrying original crew 2023 Jun 3 at 13:29 UTC. Retrofire at 21:41 UTC led to landing in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia reportedly at 22:33 UTC but more likely 22:31 UTC. The first orbit listed is an estimate based on Chinese data.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Nov 28, 15:1866590.0121    20036190.1241.48125
2022 Nov 29, 19:4067680.0006    38639392.3441.48336
2022 Nov 30, 08:1067680.0006    38639392.3441.48340
2023 Jun 3, 14:1267670.0004    38639192.3341.47289


2022-C01
External Cubesat Deployer - Tianzhou 5
Chinese Space Station
2022 Dec 18, 01:30
Macau Student Science Satellite 1
2021-035C
54816
Re-entered - 2023 Mar 15
Life 87 days
8U Cubesat (4x2) built for China's Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST). it carries a number of educational payloads to "…teach students about imaging, radio communication and other spaceflight activities". Includes Amsat China's CAMSAT XW-4 payload for use by amateur radio operators with an Earth imaging system to collect and store pictures and then download them on demand. Released from a cubesat deployer on the outside of Tianzhou 5.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2022 Dec 20, 22:2767630.0008    38039092.2541.48207


2023-063
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2023 May 10, 13:22
Tianzhou 6
2023-063B
56446
Re-entered - 2024 Jan 19
Life 254 days
Supplies to Chinese Space Station - support for the upcoming Shenzhou 16 mission. Initial orbit similar to the upper stage rocket. Docked with rear port of Tianhe module at 21:16 UTC on day of launch. Tianli, a 12U Cubesat was contained in a dispenser attached to its exterior, expected to be released before mission end. Undocked 2024 January 12 at 08:02 UTC. Released Dalian 1 Cubesat Jan 18 then a thruster firing January 19 at about 11:55 UTC led to destructive re-entry above the southern Pacific Ocean at 12:37 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 May 10, 19:1267510.0004    37137592.0141.51173
2023 May 10, 22:2767570.0007    37438492.1341.48231
2024 Jan 12, 03:2967580.0005    37738392.1541.4792
2024 Jan 13, 18:1167540.0010    36938392.0741.47120
Dalian 1 (Lianli)
2023-063C
58816
Re-entered - 2024 Apr 23
Life 349 days
12U Cubesat carried into orbit by Tianzhou 6 and then released from an external dispenser on Tianzhou 2024 January 18 after its departure from CSS. Fitted with a high resolution imaging system and acting as a demonstrator of new satellite systems including a 3D printed launch dispenser.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Jan 19, 01:3467550.0009    37138392.0841.47151


2023-077
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2023 May 30, 01:31
Shenzhou 16
2023-077A
56761
Re-entered - 2023 Oct 31
Life 154 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Jing Haipeng (commander), Zhu Yangzhu (pilot and flight engineer) and Gui Haichao (payload specialist). Separated from launch vehicle at 01:40 UTC. Docked with the downward-facing port of Tianhe at 08:29 UTC. Undocked carrying its original crew October 30 at 12:37 UTC. Retrofire at about 23:27 UTC led to landing about 50 km north of the Jiuquan launch site October 31 at 00:11 UTC. Initial orbit is an estimate based on Chinese data.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 May 30, 01:4166590.0121    20036190.1241.34266
2023 May 30, 10:1867670.0004    38739292.3441.47268
2023 Oct 29, 09:0867650.0004    38338992.2841.47349
2023 Oct 30, 17:5667620.0005    38138792.2341.4743


2023-164
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2023 Oct 26, 03:14
Shenzhou 17
2023-164A
58146
Re-entered - 2024 Apr 30
Life 187 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin. Separated from launch vehicle at 03:23 UTC. Docked with the forward-facing port of Tianhe Oct 26 at 10:46 UTC. Initial orbit shown is derived from Chinese data. Undocked 2024 April 30 at 00:43 UTC. Retro-fire at about 08:56 UTC led to touchdown at the Dong Feng landing zone near the Jiuquan Space Centre at 09:46 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2023 Oct 26, 03:2466530.0129    18936090.0041.59110
2023 Oct 26, 10:2967650.0005    38439092.2941.47330
2024 Apr 29, 22:5367580.0004    37738292.1541.47272


2024-013
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2024 Jan 17, 14:27
Tianzhou 7
2023-014A
58811
Re-entered - 2024 Nov 17
Life 305 days
Supplies to Chinese Space Station - support for the Shenzhou 17 & 18 missions. Separated from launch vehicle at 14;37 UTC. Docked with rear port of Tianhe module at 17:46 UTC on day of launch. Undocked November 10, 08:30 UTC . Initial orbit similar to the CZ 7 upper stage. Retro fire November 18 at around 12;45 UTC led to destructive re-entry at 13:25 UTC above the southern Pacific Ocean, to the north of New Zealand.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Jan 17, 18:2867590.0007    37638592.1741.47186
2024 Nov 9, 14:0767680.0010    38339692.3541.47298
2024 Nov 10, 13:1067670.0009    38339692.3441.47303
2024 Nov 11, 13:4667670.0009    38339592.3441.46318
2024 Nov 16, 04:4667630.0011    37739292.2541.47313
Bayi 08
2024-013E
62056
Re-entered - 2025 Mar 18
Life 426 days
6U Cubesat with a payload from a range of academic and government institutions under the China's Youth Science Popularization satellite project. Equipment includes an Earth imaging camera system, a laser communication system for use with ground stations and an low energy propulsion system. Released from a dispenser on the outside of Tianzhou 7 2024 November 16, after departure from CSS.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Nov 24, 00:5967560.0010    37138492.1141.47335


2024-078
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2024 Apr 25, 12:59
Shenzhou 18
2024-078A
59591
Re-entered - 2024 Nov 3
Life 192 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Ye Guangfu (commander), Li Cong and Li Guangsu. Separated from launch vehicle at 13:08 UTC. Docked with the forward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 19:37 UTC. Initial orbit based on Chinese data. Undocked Nov 3 at 08:12 UTC, carrying its original crew. Retro-fire at 16:35 UTC led to touchdown at the Dong Feng landing zone near Jiuquan SC at 17:24 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
estimated orbit66490.0117    19334989.9341.46130
2024 Apr 25, 20:3267580.0004    37738392.1541.47271
2024 Nov 2, 22:2067640.0006    38139092.2641.47327


2024-194
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2024 Oct 29, 20:27
Shenzhou 19
2024-194A
61683
Re-entered - 2025 Apr 30
Life 183 days Returned to Earth
Crew to CSS - Cai Xuzhe (commander), Song Lingdong (pilot) and Wang Haoze (flight engineer). Separated from launch vehicle at 20:36 UTC. Docked with the forward-facing port of the Tianhe module October 30 at 03:00 UTC. Initial orbit similar to launch vehicle upper stage. Undocked 2025 April 29 at 20:00 UTC, carrying its original crew. Retro-fire April 30 at 04:18 UTC led to touchdown at the Dong Feng landing zone near Jiuquan SC at 05:08 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Oct 29, 03:0867650.0007    38239292.3041.47296
2025 Apr 28, 18:4567600.0003    38038492.1941.46250


2024-211
CZ 7
Wenchang Space Centre
2024 Nov 15, 15:13
Tianzhou 8
2024-211A
61983
in space
Supplies to Chinese Space Station - support for the Shenzhou 19 & 20 missions. Reportedly carries two cubesats but unclear whether they are part of the internal cargo or carried in an external dispenser to be released after departure from CSS in 2025. Precise launch time 15:13:18 UTC. Separated from launch vehicle at 15:23 UTC. Initial orbit similar to the upper stage rocket. Docked with rear port of Tianhe module at 18:32 UTC.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2024 Nov 16, 02:5567700.0004    38939492.3941.47317


2025-082
CZ 2F
Jiuquan Space Centre
2025 Apr 24, 09:17
Shenzhou 20
2025-082A
63632
in space
Crew to CSS - Chen Dong (commander), Chen Zhongrui (pilot) and and Wang Jie (flight engineer). Separated from launch vehicle at 09:27 UTC. Docked with the downward-facing port of the Tianhe module at 15:49 UTC on the day of launch. Initial orbit listed is based on Chinese data.

epoch (UTC)         
s-m axis
( km )

eccentricity
perigee
( km )
apogee
( km )
period
( min )
incl 
( ° )
ω  
( ° )
2025 Apr 24, 09:2066500.0119    19335289.9641.46125
2025 Apr 24, 16:3267610.0002    38138492.2141.46223


Page date: 2011 Nov 21
Introduction updated: 2022 Jan 29
Entries updated as information arrives

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