China’s Tianzhou-8 cargo craft, tasked with delivering supplies to the country’s space station, has separated from the station combination, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced on Tuesday.
The cargo vessel has switched to independent flight mode and is set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in a controlled manner soon. According to the CMSA, most of its components will burn up during re-entry, while a small amount of debris is expected to fall into designated safe waters.
Launched on November 15, 2024, Tianzhou-8 carried approximately eight tonnes of supplies to support the space station’s ongoing operations. Its successful mission marks a significant milestone in China’s ambitious space exploration program.
The completion of Tianzhou-8’s journey demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in space technology and highlights the nation’s commitment to long-term space exploration and research.
