2000

According to the official Chinese state media, the satellite is used for civilian telecommunications and broadcasting purposes. However, western media are reporting that the U.S Defense Intelligence Agency has identified the satellite as Feng Huo-1, a military communications satellite providing C-band and UHF communications for military ground communication. According to these sources, Feng Huo-1 is the first of several communications satellites ultimately comprising the Qu Dian system, an integrated military command control, communications, computer, and intelligence system.

Literature:

Center for Nonproliferation Studies (2006): Current and Future Space Security. China: Military Programs. Web Site.

External Web Links: