Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., carrying five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers.
The mission, dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" delivered the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite into their designated orbits. This launch signifies the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now sent a total of 63 satellites into space.
The CERES-1 Y16 is notably the first rocket assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement underscores the company's growing capabilities in the commercial space sector.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of crucial atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold significant potential 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 acquire remote sensing images. The data collected can be applied across various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is progressing with 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's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has also made significant strides. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi announced that most key technologies for the Pallas-1 have been developed, with its maiden flight anticipated in the first half of this year. This information was shared during the Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com