On January 20, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy made history with the launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 successfully delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Among these were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite, each equipped with advanced technology poised to benefit a range of industries and research fields.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are outfitted with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. This technology enables the acquisition of critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such capabilities have vast applications in meteorological observations and can support the development of satellite internet constellation systems, particularly in sectors like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology is invaluable for environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
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 research and development production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, highlighting the company's rapid growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy 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 slated for its maiden flight in June 2025, with a total of four launches planned for that year.
Additionally, the company is making significant strides with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Having completed the development of key technologies, the Pallas-1 is expected to embark on its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as shared by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at the Airshow China 2024.
Galactic Energy's advancements reflect China's burgeoning private space industry and its ambitions to expand commercial space capabilities. The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 not only signifies a milestone for the company but also underscores the increasing role of private enterprises in China's space exploration efforts.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
