History
China's first satellite was successfully launched into orbit in April 1970, and China has since developed a dozen or so geosynchronous orbit communications satellites.
Four types of geo-synchronous orbit communications satellite have so far been developed, namely the successful DFH-2, DFH-2A, DFH-3 and DFH-4. DFH-2 and DFH-2A satellites are spin-stabilised, while DFH-3 and DFH-4 are 3-axis stabilised.
The DFH-4 satellite is a Chinese third-generation communications satellite characterised by its high power, heavy payload capacity and extended service life. With a design life span of 15 years, it can accommodate various C, Ka, Ku and S band transponders for communications, broadcast and DTH satellite services.
Technical Data
The technical parameters for the DFH series of communications satellites are listed below:
| |
DFH-2 |
DFH-2A |
DFH-3 |
DFH-4 |
| Satellite Lift-off Mass (kg) |
920 |
1044 |
2320 |
5200 |
| Power (kw) |
—— |
—— |
1.7 |
10.5 (EOL) |
| In-Orbit Life Span (years) |
3 |
>4 |
>8 |
15 |
| Transponders |
C |
C |
C/Ku |
S/C/Ka/Ku |
| Number of Transponders |
2 |
4 |
24 |
54 |
| Stabilisation Mode |
Spin stabilised |
Spin stabilised |
3-axis |
3-axis |
Current Status
As of May 15, 2009, China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) has signed four contracts for DFH-4 satellite in-orbit delivery. The signature in December 2004 of the contract for the in-orbit delivery of the NigComSat-1 satellite marked a major milestone for the emergence of Chinese satellites on the world commercial satellite market. The NigComSat-1 satellite was delivered in July 2007, and VeneSat-1 was subsequently delivered to Venezuela in December 2008.
The third and fourth DFH-4 communications satellites are currently under development for our international clients.
