Tianlian-1 01 xing

Launch data: Designation  32779 / 08019A Launch date  25 Apr 2008 - 15:35 UT Launch site  Xichang, LC-2 Launch vehicle  CZ-3C Mission  Communication: Data relay Geostationary orbit:: Perigee / Apogee  35649 x 35939 km Eccentricity   Inclination  3.3 deg Period  1436.1 min

Description:

• Tianlian I is China first data-relay satellite to serve as a communications link between ground controllers and the country′s next human space mission later this year. It will be used to increase communication time with the Shenzhou VII spaceship to be launched in the second half of 2008.
• The satellite is the first of several craft designed to alleviate China′s reliance on international ground stations and tracking ships for communications with the country′s growing fleet of satellites.
• The craft was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. According to China report, the launch is the 105th mission of China′s Long March series of rockets, but the first mission of the Long March-3C carrier rocket

Mission details:

• China′s first Tian Lian data relay satellite was launched on Apr 25 into a 218 x 41817 km x 18.1 deg transfer orbit. The launch vehicle was the CZ-3C, a new variant of the CZ-3A series with 2 strapons (compared to the basic CZ-3A with no strapons and the heavy CZ-3B with 4 strapons).

External links:

• Satellite tracking: Real time satellite tracking