Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched the 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 January 20 on a mission dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This marks the 16th launch of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has so far sent 63 satellites into orbit. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at the company’s new research and development production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads, enabling the acquisition of data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. These satellites hold significant potential for applications in meteorological observation and the verification of satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite features a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture 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 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 scheduled for its maiden flight in June and is expected to conduct four launches in 2025.
The company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has also made significant progress, having completed the development of most key technologies. Liu Baiqi, the founder and CEO of Galactic Energy, indicated that the Pallas-1 is expected 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
