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Long March 1
Launched 1970-04-24 13:35:45 UTCLaunch Area 2A, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of China
Success
Reached Low Earth Orbit
Worldwide
36th
orbital launch attempt in 1970
Seventh Ministry of Machine Building Industry
1st
launch this year
Launch Area 2A
1st
launch from this pad this year
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.
Chinese governmental entity in charge of space research from November 1964 to April 1982.
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Shenzhou 24CASC · Long March 2F/G · Launch Area 91 (SLS-1 / 921), Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of ChinaLow Earth OrbitTo be determinedTime TBDNET
Flight 2CASC · Long March 12A · Long March 12 series Pad, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, People's Republic of ChinaLow Earth OrbitTo be determinedNET 2026