China's first man-made satellite, dongfanghong-1, was launched on April 24, 1970. At 21:35 Beijing time, it was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China and entered the predetermined orbit 13 minutes later. The success of "dongfanghong-1" has made China the fifth country in the world to launch domestic satellites with self-made rockets after the Soviet Union, the United States, France and Japan.
In 1958, Mao Zedong issued the call that "we should also build artificial satellites", which opened the prelude to China's march into space. The China Academy of space technology, with Qian Xuesen as the first president, was responsible for the development of the "dongfanghong-1" satellite. At that time, five sample satellites were made, and the first satellite was successfully launched.
"Dongfanghong-1" satellite is equipped with a music instrument that simulates the music of "Dongfanghong". This music can be heard on the ground through radio waves. This satellite is also named after it. Because the satellite's high orbit ensures that it will not fall for a long time, it is still flying in space.
"Dongfanghong-1" satellite reflected that China's economic, scientific, technological and social development had reached a certain level at that time, which improved China's comprehensive national strength and greatly enhanced national pride and cohesion. It also aroused strong repercussions in the world and won a lot of praise. Foreign media have commented that the successful launch of the satellite "shows that China's scientific, technological and industrial level has reached a new height" and "reflects that China has been relying on its own strength to carry out space development for human happiness and progress".