China’s first data relay satellite Tianlian 1-01 has been operating for more than six years,fulfilling all missions within its designed lifetime.Development of the satellite began in 2003.It was launched on April 25,2008 and delivered to the customer on December 4 the same year.During its in-orbit operation,Tianlian 1-01 operates stably.It completed the first in-orbit tracking and data relay mission for the Shenzhou 7 spaceship,beginning the application of China’s data relay China’s first data relay satellite Tianlian 1-01 has been operating for more than six years, fulfilling all missions within its designed lifetime. Development of the satellite began in 2003.It was launched on April 25, 2008 and delivered to the customer on December 4 the same year. Drawing its in-orbit operation, Tianlian 1-01 operates stably. It completed the first in-orbit tracking and data relay mission for the Shenzhou 7 spaceship, beginning the application of China’s data relay