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DFH 1
DFH 1 (Dong Fang Hong 1) was the first chinese satellite. This was the first satellite launched by China on its own booster, making China the fifth nation to put a spacecraft into orbit using its own rocket.
The satellite was developed under the direction of Tsien Hsue-shen, dean of the Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST). The experimental satellite was nearly spherically shaped symmetrical 72-faced polyhedron with a 1 meter diameter. It was battery powered and carried a radio transmitter. The primary mission was to broadcast the song "Dong Fang Hong", paying tribute to Chairman Mao, and to announce the time. A total of five identical satellites were built to have back-ups in case of launch failures. The first satellite launched successfully.
DFH-1 was launched by a CZ-1 booster into an elliptical 441 × 2286 km orbit inclined at 68.4 from the Jiuquan launch facility near Lop Nor. It ceased transmitting in June 1970.
| Nation: | China |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Technology |
| Operator: | Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST) |
| Contractors: | Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST) |
| Equipment: | Transmitter |
| Configuration: | 72-faced polyhedron |
| Propulsion: | None |
| Power: | Batteries |
| Lifetime: | 20 days (planned); 28 days (achieved) |
| Mass: | 173 kg |
| Orbit: | 441 km × 2286 km, 68.4 |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DFH 1 | 1970-034A | 24.04.1970 | Jq LC-2/5020 | CZ-1 | ||
| DFH 1 (2) | - | cancelled | Jq LC-2/5020 | CZ-1 | ||
| DFH 1 (3) | - | cancelled | Jq LC-2/5020 | CZ-1 | ||
| DFH 1 (4) | - | cancelled | Jq LC-2/5020 | CZ-1 | ||
| DFH 1 (5) | - | cancelled | Jq LC-2/5020 | CZ-1 |
Launch Sites:
- Jq = Jiuquan Space Center, Inner Mongolia, China
References:
- NSSDC Master Catalog: PRC 1
