The Dongfanghong-3 satellite is China’s first artificial Earth satellite and also the first successfully launched artificial satellite in China. It operates in geostationary orbit and is also China’s first synchronous satellite to adopt three-axis stabilization technology.
It was designed with the help of Soviet experts and launched by China on April 24,1970,marking a new chapter in China’s space industry.The successful launch of the Dongfanghong-3 satellite made China the third country in the world,after the Soviet Union and the United States,to be able to independently launch satellites.
Satellite missions
The mission of Dongfanghong-3 satellite is to detect and conduct experimental research on the Earth’s atmosphere,as well as monitor parameters such as air density,temperature,and radiation.Its successful launch has laid a solid foundation for the development of China’s space industry and opened the door for China to enter the space field.
The Dongfanghong-3 satellite is a spherical satellite with a weight of approximately 173.5 kilograms,a diameter of 1.42 meters,and a circumference of 4.46 meters.It is equipped with scientific instruments such as atmospheric density meters,magnetometers,electronic density meters,telemetry systems,etc.,for the detection and experimental research of the Earth’s atmosphere.The communication payload includes communication repeaters and communication antennas.
The launch process of Dongfanghong-3 was very smooth and exciting.At that time,thousands of scientists and engineers dispatched by the Chinese government participated in the development and launch of the satellite,and finally successfully launched the Dongfanghong-3 satellite into space on April 24,1970.
The successful launch of the Dongfanghong-3 satellite not only marks significant achievements in China’s space industry,but also lays a solid foundation for the development of China’s space technology.It provides valuable experience and lessons for the subsequent development of China’s space industry,laying the foundation for China’s further exploration of space and space research.
The five Dongfanghong-2 and Dongfanghong-2A communication satellites launched by China since 1984 have all been retired.As of 2021,China has successfully launched a total of 41 Dongfanghong-3 platform satellites.The successful development,launch,and positioning of the Dongfanghong-3 are of great significance for alleviating the tense situation of China’s satellite communication,promoting the development of China’s satellite communication industry,enhancing China’s prestige in the international space field,and consolidating China’s position in the international space launch market.