China's first man-made satellite launched in 1970

(File photo)

China launched its first satellite Dong Fang Hong I (DFH I) to earth orbit on April 24, 1970, becoming the fifth country in the world to independently launch satellite following the USSR, USA, France and Japan. The 390-lb. electronic ball floated around the earth blaring the patriotic song The East Is Red.

The successful launch of DFH I laid solid foundation for the development of spaceflight technology in China, fueled the emergence of the country's spaceflight industry and enabled China's technology in this field to keep up with the world pace.