China has kicked off its commercial space endeavors for 2025 with the successful launch of Galactic Energy's CERES-1 Y16 rocket. On January 20 at 6:11 p.m., the CERES-1 Y16 lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, embarking on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The 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 marks the 16th 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 milestone signifies a significant step forward in the company's manufacturing capabilities and China's commercial aerospace industry.
The quartet of Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the collection of vital atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data has wide-ranging applications in meteorological observation and can support the development of satellite internet constellation systems for the mining industry, among other uses.
Meanwhile, the JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. The satellite's capabilities extend to various fields such as environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy is also making strides with its upcoming projects. In Beijing, the company is developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket boasting a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is scheduled 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 key technologies and is expected to have its inaugural flight in the first half of this year. This advancement signals a significant move towards reusable launch vehicles, which are pivotal for reducing costs and increasing the frequency of space missions.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
