Dong Fang Hong 1
Long March 1
Seventh Ministry of Machine Building Industry
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 252 rocket launches.
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).
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.
