Beijing, January 20 – Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy achieved a milestone on Monday with the successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20 on a mission dubbed “On Your Shoulders.” It delivered five satellites, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 and the JTX A-05 satellites, into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
With this launch, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 missions, sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. The CERES-1 Y16 is notable as the first rocket manufactured and assembled at the company’s new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
Advanced Satellite Payloads
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the acquisition of data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold significant potential for applications in meteorological observation and the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture remote sensing images. The data collected can be applied across multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking Ahead: CERES-2 and Pallas-1
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.
Additionally, the company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most of its key technologies. It is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, according to the company’s founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, who spoke at the Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
