Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy achieved a significant milestone on January 20, 2025, with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket. Blasting off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., the mission, dubbed “On Your Shoulders,” marks China’s first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch brings the total number of satellites sent into orbit by the CERES-1 series to 63 across 16 launches.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy’s new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. The success of this launch underscores China’s growing capabilities in the commercial space sector.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the acquisition of vital atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications in meteorological observation and can facilitate the development of satellite internet constellation systems, particularly benefiting industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, equipped with a hyperspectral camera payload, is designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. Its capabilities extend across multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is advancing the development of the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, the company’s Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
The company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has already completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This advancement signifies a major step forward in China’s commercial space endeavors, aligning with global trends toward reusable launch vehicles.
Galactic Energy’s progress reflects China’s burgeoning presence in the commercial space industry, offering new opportunities for satellite deployment and space exploration. As the company continues to innovate with rockets like the CERES-2 and Pallas-1, the future of China’s commercial space sector looks promising.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
