Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft is successfully launched

At 23:13 on November 15, 2024, the Tianzhou-8 cargo spacecraft was launched successfully into its destination orbit from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center by the Long March 7 Yao-9 launch vehicle, marking the third successful launch of cargo spacecraft in China’s space station application and development phase.

The Tianzhou 8 carried the platform equipment, propellants, and scientific payloads, as well as supplies that can support three astronauts’ stay aboard the space station for up to nine months. Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology was responsible for developing key systems for the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, including the power subsystem, docking mechanism subsystem, propulsion module structure and assembly, as well as equipment of the measurement, control, and communication subsystem, and the propulsion module cable network of the system circuit subsystem.

1 “Gold medal products” supporting the routine operations of the space station

The Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft was designed for a three-hour rapid rendezvous and docking. To meet the routine launch requirements of the space station, “gold medal products” developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology including the docking mechanism, solar array wings, and lithium-ion batteries demonstrated their exceptional capabilities, ensuring the success of intensive launch tasks in the space station application and development phase. 

So far, the docking mechanism has successfully completed 33 docking tasks, with its docking capacity increasing from 8 tons in the early stage to the current 180 tons. The powerful adaptive capacity and high reliability have established a secure “space corridor” for the continuous delivery of astronaut supplies to the space station. Stable connection alone is not enough; the semi-rigid solar array wings used on the Tianzhou series of cargo spacecraft have advantages such as lightweight, high-pressure safety, high load-bearing capacity, simple deployment mode, and fast deployment, providing the cargo spacecraft with powerful assistance. As the heart of Tianzhou, the lithium-ion battery developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology ensures power supply during the launch of the spacecraft and before the solar arrays fully deploy in orbit. To guarantee a stable power supply at each stage, the development team conducted integrated deep discharge tests and deep discharge tests of individual cells to ensure the spacecraft has adequate energy for rapid rendezvous and docking.

2 Sticking to meticulous quality management

During the space station application and development phase, one to two cargo spacecraft will be launched each year. To adapt to the new normal of intensive launches faster, during the launch phase, the test team of Tianzhou 8 from Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology optimized the existing production control processes by focusing on “whole-process coverage and all-element quantification”. They introduced a whole-process quality assurance system for the first time at the launch site, moving away from expert panel reviews and instead implementing standardized quality confirmation and reviews through forms. Through pre-launch planning and earlier product quality control, they have further improved the specificity and effectiveness of quality management. 

In this mission, special quality assurance checks were also conducted for small, distant, and scattered items such as engine protective covers and separation/docking protection covers to ensure that no potential issues were left unresolved prior to launch. In addition, during the launch phase, the test team of Tianzhou 8 from Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology identified over 10 high-risk operational procedures during general assembly and 110 potential risk points across 6 work stages. Driven by launch site procedures, they held more than 40 learning and rehearsal sessions such as pre- and post-shift meetings, rehearsal meetings, and study exchanges, and resolutely carried out the requirements of no bystanders and outsiders on the way of pursuing success. With a deep sense of responsibility, where all details are under control at all time, all test team members were actively engaged in the concrete actions of ensuring high-quality success. Through systematic production quality control, the test team of Tianzhou 8 also proactively identified and addressed potential defects, ensuring rigorous quality management at every stage of the mission to guarantee the successful completion of the launch.

3 Responding to the Super Typhoon Yagi and working together to ensure success

During this mission, the test team encountered the severe challenge of Super Typhoon Yagi, the strongest autumn typhoon to hit China since 1949. In the fight against Typhoon Yagi, all test team members of Tianzhou 8 from Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology remained steadfast at their posts and united in their efforts. With close cooperation between the group company, the support team of Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, and the test team, they demonstrated the special resilience and commitment of a manned spaceflight team, achieving success in both the mission and the battle against the typhoon.

Before the typhoon’s arrival, the test team convened an immediate mobilization meeting to convey the typhoon defense and flood prevention plans and requirements, and stressed the importance of correct estimation of difficulties and comprehensive defensive measures, guiding team members to swiftly shift into defense mode, and make thorough preparations for typhoon defense and flood prevention. After the typhoon made landfall, the team worked cohesively to withstand the storm, with designated personnel assigned in the workshop to take 24-hour shifts as part of the emergency response team, which has successfully ensured the safety of both the personnel and products. After the typhoon passed, despite the significant facility damage and prolonged power and water outages, the team members still remained resilient, united, and determined. While maintaining continual progress of the key tasks related to the model, they also actively ensured the post-disaster recovery of the living quarter. In this battle with nature, they not only withstood the storm but also strengthened their unity and collaboration, emerging as a strong and cohesive team.

Through the trials of wind and rain, the team grew even stronger, and in the stillness of the night, their brilliance became even more apparent. The Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft, like an unflinching warrior, is launched to the Tiangong space station with the mission and honor of this series, contributing a vital part to the grand vision of the Chinese space station.