Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy achieved a milestone on Monday with the launch of its CERES-1 rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
At 6:11 p.m. on January 20, the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on a mission dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\" The rocket successfully delivered five satellites, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 and the JTX A-05 satellites, into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers.
To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, sending a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled in Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base located in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the acquisition of data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold significant potential for applications in meteorological observation and the validation of satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture remote sensing images. This technology 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 its rocket development programs. In Beijing, the company is working on 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, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is slated for its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as learned from the founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
