Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy achieved a significant milestone on January 20, as it successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. This event marks China’s first commercial rocket launch of 2025, signaling a strong start to the country’s private space endeavors in the new year.
Dubbed the “On Your Shoulders” mission, the CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The satellites include Yunyao-1 37~40 and JTX A-05, all set to enhance various scientific and commercial applications.
Advancements in Satellite Technology
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the acquisition of critical atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold significant promise for meteorological observation, mining industry applications, and the development of satellite internet constellation systems.
The JTX A-05 satellite, featuring a hyperspectral camera payload, is designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. Its capabilities span environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning, offering valuable data across multiple sectors.
Galactic Energy’s Growing Achievements
With this latest launch, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 successful missions, sending a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy’s new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, highlighting the company’s expanding industrial capacity.
Looking Ahead: CERES-2 and Pallas-1
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is making strides in 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.
The company is also progressing with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Having completed the development of most key technologies, the Pallas-1 is anticipated to undertake its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as revealed by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi during Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
