Dong Fang Hong 1

Mission

Dong Fang Hong 1

• Type: Technology
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit

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.

Location

Launch Area 2A

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China

Launch Area 2A has witnessed the launch of 2 rockets, including 2 orbital launch attempts, while Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People’s Republic of China, has been the site for 229 rocket launches.

Rocket

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation Long March 1

Agency

Seventh Ministry of Machine Building Industry

Chinese governmental entity in charge of space research from November 1964 to April 1982.