This proceedings volume contains selected and expanded contributions presented at the 8th International Symposium of Space Optical Instruments and Applications, held in Beijing, China on 15<17 November, 2023. The symposium was organized by the Sino-Holland Space Optical Instruments Joint Laboratory and supported by Beijing Institute and Space Mechanics and Electricity. In recent years, space optical payloads are advancing towards high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, high radiometric resolution, and high spectral resolution and becoming more and more intelligent. Commercial remote sensing industry has made steady progress in terms of the scope of satellite systems and applications. Meanwhile, space optical remote sensing data has been extensively applied to monitoring of resources, meteorology, ocean, environment, disaster reduction, and many other fields. The symposium focused on key innovations of space-based optical instruments and applications, and the newest developments in theory, technology and applications in optics, in both China and Europe. It thus provided a platform for exchanges on the latest research and current and planned optical missions. The major topics covered in these conference proceedings include but are not limited to: 1) Advanced optical technology and new remote sensing technology for space applications; 2) Advanced optical material technology and space application; 3) Advanced photoelectric converter technology and space application; 4) Space optical instruments and applications for deep space exploration and astronomical observation; 5) Ecological environment space optical instrument and its application; and 6) Commercial space optical remote sensing technology and services.