In April 1970, China's first satellite was successfully launched into the pre-defined orbit. Since then China has developed more communications satellites. Up to now, four kinds of geo-synchronous orbit communications satellites have been successfully developed, namely DFH-2, DFH-2A, DFH-3 and DFH-4. DFH-2 and DFH-2A are spin-stabilized satellites, and DFH-3 and DFH-4 are 3-axis stabilized satellites.
DFH-4 Bus Profile
DFH-4 is the third generation communications satellite bus in China with high power, strong payload capacity and extended service life. It consists of propulsion module, service modules and solar arrays.
Technical Specifications
Technical parameters of the DFH series:
DFH-3
DFH-4
Dimensions
2200mm×1720mm×2000mm
2360mm×2100mm×3600mm
Satellite Lift-off Mass (kg)
2,320
5,200
Orbit Type
GEO and other orbits
GEO and other orbits
Solar Array Power（kw）
1.7(EOL)
10.5(EOL)
Payload Power (kw)
1
8
Band of Transponders
C/Ku
C / Ka / Ku /L
Stabilization Mode
3-axis
3-axis
Station Keeping Precision
±0.1°(3σ)
west/east ±0.05°(3σ)
north/south ±0.05°(3σ)
Antenna Pointing Precision
Pitch, Roll≤0.15°(3σ)
Yaw≤0.5°(3σ)
＜0.1°(3σ)
Service Life Time (year)
>8
15
Applications
DFH-4 bus is applicable to high capacity communications satellite, direct broadcasting sattllite and regional mobile communications satellites, etc.
Current Status
NigcomSat-1 and VeneSat-1 communications satellite contracts using DFH-4 bus were signed between China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) with international customers, setting the important record-breaking milestone for China's satellite in the world commercial satellite market.
NigcomSat-1 satellite for Nigeria was delivered in orbit in July 2007 and VeneSat-1 for Venezuela was delivered in December 2008 successfully.
Currently, the third and the fourth DFH-4 communications satellites for international customers and three satellites for domestic customers are under development.
