DFH-2 [CAST]
China operated a constellation of three Dongfanghong DFH-2 (aka STTW = Shiyan Tongbu Tongxing Weixing) communications satellites in GEO for domestic needs. Designed, manufactured, and launched by indigenous means, the modest DFH-2 Dongfanghong DFH-2 (Dong Fang Hong - The East is Red) space craft were analogous to 1960's era western GEO satellites (e.g., INTELSAT 3), although slightly heavier.
After an initial CZ-3 launch failure in January, 1984, the first Chinese GEO satellites were deployed in April, 1984, and February, 1986, to 125 degrees E and 103 degrees E, respectively. Both satellites apparently continued to operate until 1990-1991, by which time they had been replaced by the operational DFH-2A series.
The DFH-2 was a spin-stabilized, drum-shaped satellite with a diameter of 2.1 m and a height of 3.1 m. The total electrical power capacity was assessed to be about 284 W.
Nation: | China |
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Type / Application: | Communication |
Operator: | |
Contractors: | |
Equipment: | ? |
Configuration: | DFH-2 Bus |
Propulsion: | FG-15 |
Power: | Solar cells, batteries |
Lifetime: | |
Mass: | |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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DFH-2 1 (STTW T1) | 1984-008A | 29.01.1984 | Xi LC-3 | p | CZ-3 | |
DFH-2 2 (STTW T2) | 1984-035A | 08.04.1984 | Xi LC-3 | CZ-3 |