Tianlian I-01

Tianlian I-01 (Simplified Chinese: 天链一号〇一星, Traditional Chinese: 天鏈一號零一星) is the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) launched by People's Republic of China, and the first satellite of Tianlian I TDRS series. [ [http://china.rednet.cn/c/2008/04/26/1493822.htm 我国成功发射首颗数据中继卫星(组图) ] ]

The satellite

The satellite has multiple roles and will especially serve for China's manned spaceflight. Its first task could be for the Shenzhou 7 communication.

Launch

The satellite was launched successfully by the Long March 3C rocket in Xichang Satellite Launch Centre at local time 23:35 April 25, 2008. It was the 105^th launch of the Long March Rocket Family.

The rocket had 3 stages, 2 roll boostersClarifyme|date=April 2008, a 55 m height; and was liquid-fueled. Its initial weight was ~343 t.Clarifyme|date=April 2008

00:00 April 26, 2008, the Xi'an Satellite Control Centre received the feedback signal, which showed the satellite accurately entered its predesigned orbit.

08:25 GMT April 30, 2008, satellite was announced to be successfully set at E. 77 degrees over the equator. [ [http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/01/content_8089204.htm China sets up first space station for spacecraft data relay_English_Xinhua ] ]

References