Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 rocket, marking the first commercial rocket launch in the Chinese mainland for 2025. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20 on a mission aptly named “On Your Shoulders.”
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 signifies the 16th mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has collectively sent 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled in Galactic Energy’s new-generation research and development and production base located in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement underscores the company’s growing capabilities in rocket manufacturing and space technology.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments are capable of collecting vital atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data has broad applications in meteorological observation and can support satellite internet constellations for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture remote sensing images. The imagery can be utilized across various fields, such as environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking ahead, 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.
Meanwhile, the company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. It is anticipated to make its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as shared by the founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
