# DFFC

> subscale model of a future Chinese crewed space capsule

**Wikidata**: [Q26059376](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26059376)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dffc

## Summary
DFFC was a subscale model of a future Chinese crewed space capsule, launched on June 25, 2016, as part of China's space program development. It was launched aboard a Long March 7 rocket from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center and reentered Earth's atmosphere on July 2, 2016. The model served as a test article to validate technologies for China's future crewed spacecraft.

## Key Facts
- Launched on June 25, 2016, at 12:00 UTC from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center
- Operated by China National Space Administration as a test article
- Mass of 2,600 kilograms (launch weight)
- Dimensions: 2.3 meters in height and 2.6 meters in diameter
- Launched aboard Long March 7 Y1 (first flight of this launch vehicle)
- Reentered Earth's atmosphere on July 2, 2016, at approximately 17:26 UTC
- COSPAR ID: 2016-042D and NSSDCA ID: 2016-042D
- Described as a subscale model of a future Chinese crewed space capsule
- Only available in Latvian Wikipedia (lv)

## FAQs
### Q: What was DFFC's purpose?
A: DFFC was a subscale model test article designed to validate technologies and systems for China's future crewed space capsule program. It served as a developmental prototype to test reentry capabilities and other critical systems before full-scale crewed missions.

### Q: When and how was DFFC launched?
A: DFFC was launched on June 25, 2016, at 12:00 UTC aboard the first flight of China's Long March 7 rocket (Y1 configuration) from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center in Hainan Province.

### Q: What happened to DFFC after launch?
A: After completing its mission objectives, DFFC reentered Earth's atmosphere on July 2, 2016, at approximately 17:26 UTC, marking the end of its test flight.

## Why It Matters
DFFC represents a critical step in China's ambitious space program development, specifically in advancing their capability to launch and recover crewed spacecraft. As a subscale model, it allowed Chinese engineers to test and validate key technologies, materials, and systems that would be essential for future human spaceflight missions without the full cost and risk of a complete spacecraft. The successful launch and recovery demonstrated China's growing technical sophistication in space operations and their commitment to developing independent human spaceflight capabilities. This test article contributed to China's broader goals of establishing a permanent space station and potentially lunar exploration, positioning them as a major spacefaring nation alongside the United States and Russia.

## Notable For
- First flight test of China's next-generation crewed spacecraft technology
- Launched aboard the inaugural flight of the Long March 7 rocket, a new generation launch vehicle
- Demonstrated China's capability to develop and test subscale models for complex space systems
- Contributed to China's independent human spaceflight development program
- Successfully completed atmospheric reentry and recovery operations

## Body
### Technical Specifications
DFFC had a mass of 2,600 kilograms, making it a substantial test article for evaluating reentry dynamics and thermal protection systems. The capsule measured 2.3 meters in height and 2.6 meters in diameter, providing adequate scale for testing while remaining manageable for initial development phases.

### Launch Details
The test article launched on June 25, 2016, at precisely 12:00 UTC, marking the first flight of the Long March 7 Y1 configuration. This launch vehicle represented a new generation of Chinese rockets designed for improved performance and reliability. The launch site was the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, China's newest spaceport located on Hainan Island, which offers advantages for launching heavier payloads due to its proximity to the equator.

### Mission Profile
DFFC's mission involved reaching orbit, conducting its test objectives, and then executing a controlled atmospheric reentry. The spacecraft successfully reentered Earth's atmosphere on July 2, 2016, at approximately 17:26 UTC, demonstrating the thermal protection and recovery systems that would be critical for future crewed missions.

### Program Context
As a subscale model, DFFC was part of China's systematic approach to developing crewed spaceflight capabilities. Rather than immediately building full-scale spacecraft, Chinese engineers used this intermediate step to validate designs, materials, and systems in actual spaceflight conditions. This methodology reduces development risks and costs while accelerating the overall program timeline.

### Documentation and Tracking
The mission was officially tracked with COSPAR ID 2016-042D and NSSDCA ID 2016-042D, ensuring proper documentation in international space tracking databases. The spacecraft's decay was monitored through space-track.org, providing transparency about its orbital lifetime and reentry timing.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/dffc.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.space-track.org/#decay)
4. [Source](https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2016-042D)