Technology
Dong Fang Hong 1 (DFH-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 a 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 backups in case of launch failures. The first satellite launched successfully.
Orbital Attempt
#1,082
CASC Mission
#1
Pad Launch
#1
Location Launch
#1
Designator
1970-034
Apr 24, 1970, 1:35 PM
1 update
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is a Chinese spaceport located between the Ejin, Alxa, Inner Mongolia and Hangtian Town, Jinta County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province. It is part of the Dongfeng Aerospace City (Base 10).
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Local Launch Time
Apr 24, 1970, 9:35 PM
Total Launches
286
Total Landings
2
Coordinates
40.9581, 100.2911
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1970
Fastest Turnaround
10mo 12d
Total Launches
2
Successful
2
Failed
0
Consecutive Success
2
Maiden flight: Apr 24, 1970
Chinese governmental entity in charge of space research from November 1964 to April 1982.
Founded
1964
Total Launches
14
Successful
9
Failed
5
Pending
0
Consecutive Success
1