Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its CERES-1 Y16 rocket on Monday, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The successful mission underscores China's growing capabilities in the commercial space sector and sets the stage for an ambitious year ahead.
At precisely 6:11 p.m. on January 20, the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" the mission successfully delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The satellites included the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 and the JTX A-05 satellite, expanding China's satellite constellation and enhancing its space-based applications.
The CERES-1 rocket series has now completed 16 launches, sending 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 highlights the company's advancements in rocket manufacturing and production capabilities.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the acquisition of vital atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data are crucial for meteorological observation and have broad applications, including satellite internet constellation systems for the mining industry.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload, designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. The satellite's capabilities will support a range of fields such as environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning. This multifaceted utility underscores the importance of the satellite in addressing various global challenges.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is making strides in developing 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. This development signifies a leap forward in China's commercial launch capabilities, offering greater payload options for domestic and international clients.
Additionally, the company is advancing its reusable rocket technology with the Pallas-1. Having completed the development of most key technologies, the Pallas-1 is anticipated to make its maiden flight in the first half of this year. During the Airshow China 2024, Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, shared insights into the Pallas-1's progress, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable and cost-effective space exploration.
Galactic Energy's recent achievements reflect the dynamic growth of China's commercial space industry. As the nation continues to invest in space technology, these developments not only bolster its position in the global space arena but also open new avenues for scientific research and commercial applications. The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 sets a promising tone for 2025, with more ambitious projects on the horizon.
(CGTN's Zhao Chenchen and Zhang Haoyudi also contributed to this story.)
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
