Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy has successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China’s first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, embarking on a mission aptly named “On Your Shoulders.”
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Among them were the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch signifies the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now sent a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy’s new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement underscores the company’s commitment to expanding China’s commercial space capabilities.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments allow for the acquisition of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications in meteorological observation and can enhance satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has diverse applications across various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is developing 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.
Furthermore, the company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. Galactic Energy’s founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, indicated that the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, signaling a significant step forward in reusable rocket technology for China’s commercial space sector.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
