# Dongfanghong-2A 2

> Chinese communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18327647](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18327647)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dongfanghong-2a-2

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Dongfanghong-2A 2**:

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## Summary  
Dongfanghong-2A 2 is a Chinese communications satellite launched in 1988 as part of the Dong Fang Hong series. It was also designated as ChinaSat 1 (Zhongxing 1) and served as an experimental synchronous communications satellite. The satellite was launched aboard a Long March 3 rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: March 7, 1988  
- **COSPAR ID**: 1988-014A  
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN)**: 18922  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Long March 3  
- **Launch Site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center  
- **Parent Series**: Dong Fang Hong (DFH) and Chinasat  
- **Model**: Dong Fang Hong 2 (DFH-2)  
- **Alternative Names**: DFH-2A 2, Shiyan Tongbu Tongxing Weixing 2 (STTW 2), PRC 22, ZX 1, ChinaSat 1, Zhongxing 1  
- **Country of Origin**: People’s Republic of China  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Dongfanghong-2A 2?  
A: It was an experimental synchronous communications satellite designed to test and demonstrate China's capabilities in geostationary orbit communications.  

### Q: What rocket launched Dongfanghong-2A 2?  
A: It was launched aboard a Long March 3 rocket, a Chinese launch vehicle series.  

### Q: Is Dongfanghong-2A 2 still operational?  
A: No, it was launched in 1988 and has since been decommissioned, as it was primarily an experimental satellite.  

## Why It Matters  
Dongfanghong-2A 2 marked an important milestone in China's space program, demonstrating the country's ability to deploy communications satellites into geostationary orbit. As part of the Dong Fang Hong series, it contributed to China's growing expertise in satellite technology, paving the way for future commercial and military communications satellites. Its launch also underscored China's reliance on domestic launch capabilities, using the Long March 3 rocket. The satellite's alternative designation as ChinaSat 1 highlights its role in China Satellite Communications' early fleet, supporting national telecommunications infrastructure.  

## Notable For  
- One of China's early experimental synchronous communications satellites.  
- Part of the Dong Fang Hong series, a foundational program for Chinese satellite technology.  
- Launched aboard the Long March 3, a key Chinese launch vehicle.  
- Designated under multiple names, including ChinaSat 1 (Zhongxing 1), reflecting its dual experimental and operational roles.  

## Body  
### Launch and Mission  
- Launched on **March 7, 1988**, from **Xichang Satellite Launch Center**.  
- Mission: Experimental synchronous communications testing.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Model**: Dong Fang Hong 2 (DFH-2), a class of Chinese communications satellites.  
- **Catalog Number**: 18922 (Satellite Catalog Number).  

### Alternative Designations  
- Also known as:  
  - **DFH-2A 2**  
  - **Shiyan Tongbu Tongxing Weixing 2 (STTW 2)**  
  - **PRC 22**  
  - **ZX 1 / ChinaSat 1 / Zhongxing 1**  

### Launch Vehicle and Site  
- **Rocket**: Long March 3  
- **Launch Site**: Xichang Satellite Launch Center  

### Historical Context  
- Part of China's broader **Dong Fang Hong** satellite series.  
- Operated under **Chinasat**, a fleet of communications satellites managed by China Satellite Communications.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if further refinements are needed!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report