Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy has successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, embarking on a mission titled \"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 signifies a milestone for Galactic Energy, as the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at the company's new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, successfully sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads, enabling the collection of data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. These capabilities have broad applications in meteorological observation and support 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. This technology can be applied in various fields including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
In parallel with the CERES-1 advancements, Galactic Energy is progressing on 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.
The company is also making strides with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi revealed at the Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 has completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
