Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy marked a significant milestone in China\u2019s space industry with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket. The launch, which took place at 6:11 p.m. on January 20 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, signifies the nation\u2019s first commercial rocket mission of 2025.
The mission, dubbed “On Your Shoulders,” saw the CERES-1 Y16 rocket deliver five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit 535 kilometers above Earth. Among the payload were the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite, each equipped with advanced technology poised to enhance various industries.
This launch marks the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now deployed a total of 63 satellites into orbit. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy\u2019s new-generation research and development and production facility located in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data has broad applications in meteorological observation and offers potential advancements in satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, featuring a hyperspectral camera payload, is set to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. The capabilities of this satellite extend to environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning, underscoring its versatility across multiple sectors.
As Galactic Energy propels forward, the company is concurrently developing the CERES-2 rocket in Beijing. This solid carrier rocket boasts a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes and is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June, according to Meng Xianbo, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Galactic Energy.
In addition, the company\u2019s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has achieved significant progress, having completed the development of most key technologies. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi revealed at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is anticipated to embark on its maiden flight in the first half of this year, signaling an exciting advancement in China\u2019s pursuit of reusable launch vehicles.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
