Tianlian I (Simplified Chinese: 天链一号, Traditional Chinese: 天鏈一號, English: Sky Chain), also known as Tian Lian 1, TL-1, and CTDRS-1 is a Chinese data tracking and relay communications satellite series. Based on the DFH-3 satellite bus, it will provide communication coverage for manned Shenzhou missions, from Shenzhou 7 onwards.[1] In terms of function, it is similar to the United States Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System.
The first satellite Tianlian I-01 of the series was launched on the maiden flight of the Long March 3C carrier rocket, at 15:35 GMT on 25 April 2008, from LC-2 at the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre.[2] Tianlian I-01 will be able to cover around half of the spacecraft's trajectory, compared to around 12 percent which was previously covered using tracking stations and a fleet of ships. Tianlian I-02 was launched in July 2011 and Tianlian I-03 was launched on 25 July 2012.[3] The satellite is in geostationary orbit.[4]
Tianlian-1 satellites [edit]
See also [edit]
References [edit]
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| Earth observation |
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Communication and
engineering test |
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| Data relay satellite system |
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| Positioning |
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| Astronomical observation |
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Lunar and planetary
exploration |
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