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DFH 1

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

References:

  • NSSDC Master Catalog: PRC 1

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