TL 1A, 1B

TL 1A [CCTV]

The TL 1 (Tian Lian 1) satellite is a geostationary relay satellite based on the DFH-3 Bus (three-axis-stabilized telecommunications satellite platform). TL 1 will be used to support real-time communications between orbiting satellites and ground control stations. This system will replace the current network of ground-based space tracking and telemetry stations and space tracking ships.

TL 1 represents the experimental first generation of this new network. Later satellites will be of more advanced larger design.