Tianlian-1 03 xing (TL 1C)

Spacecraft nº:

Chinese spacecraft nº: 188

Launch data: Designation  38730 / 12040A Launch date  25 July 2012 - 15:43 UT Launch site  Xichang, LC-2 Launch vehicle  CZ-3C Mission  Government: Communications Geostationary orbit: Perigee / Apogee  35768 x 35818 km Eccentricity  4,03E-04 Inclination  0.0 deg Period  1436.0 min

Description:

• The TL 1 (Tian Lian 1) satellite is a geostationary relay satellite based on the DFH-3 Bus (three-axis-stabilized telecommunications satellite platform). TL 1 will be used to support real-time communications between orbiting satellites and ground control stations. This system will replace the current network of ground-based space tracking and telemetry stations and space tracking ships.
• TL 1 represents the experimental first generation of this new network. Later satellites will be of more advanced larger design.
• Tianlian 1-03 is joining its two predecessors to realize global network operation after in-orbit validation and system coordination procedures are carried out. "The first data relay satellite, the Tianlian I-01, was launched in April 2008, and the second was launched in July 2011. The third satellite is expected to improve the network's coverage in providing measurement and control services for China′s manned spacecraft as well as the planned construction of future space labs and space stations, according to the center. The network will also offer data relay services for the country's medium- and low-Earth orbits as well as measurement and control support for spacecraft launches. The two-satellite network had previously played a key role in assisting in two space docking missions; an automated one between the Tiangong-1 lab module and the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft in late 2011, and a manual docking between Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-9 in June.

Mission details:

• China′s third tracking and data relay satellite was launched on Jul 25, 2012.
  Tianlian yihao 03 xing (Tianlian-1 Satellite 03) flew to a 199 x 42513 km x 18.1 deg geostationary transfer orbit on a CZ-3C rocket.

External links:

• Satellite tracking: Real time satellite tracking