Dong Fang Hong 56

Also called Beidou 1C

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General

Designation	27813 / 03021A
Launch date	24 May 2003
Country of origin	China
Mission	Navigation
Geostationary orbit	see below
Launch vehicle	Long March 3A #68

See DFH 51 for possible specifications.

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Location

Begin	End	Position
L: 24 May 2003	Jun 2012	110.5°E

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End of life

Out of service	Jun 2012
Cause	moved above GEO

Some sources claim the satellite serves in reality to improve the accuracy of the GPS.

Next satellite should be of the second generation, in one of the following slots: 58.75, 80, 110.5 and 140°E

The beidou program could develop with upto 30 MEO satellites and 5 GEO satellites. Has a civilian and a military signal.

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External resources

sat-index articles

Technical data

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Specifications

Prime contractor	CAST
Platform	DFH3
Mass at launch	2200 kg
Mass in orbit
Dimension
Solar array
Stabilization	3-axis
DC power	1700 W
Design lifetime

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