Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 rocket on Monday, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
Under a clear evening sky, the CERES-1 Y16 rocket roared to life at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, lifting off at precisely 6:11 p.m. on January 20. This mission, poetically named \"On Your Shoulders,\" signifies a significant milestone in the nation's commercial space endeavors. The rocket successfully deployed five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
Among the satellites delivered were the Yunyao-1 37~40 series and the JTX A-05 satellite. The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads, enabling the acquisition of vital atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. These satellites hold promising applications in meteorological observation and the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, equipped with a hyperspectral camera payload, will capture remote sensing images applicable across various sectors. Its capabilities extend to environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy's CERES-1 rocket series has now completed 16 launches, sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, 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.
Looking ahead, the company is advancing 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.
Additionally, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed development of most key technologies. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi revealed at the Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is slated for 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
