China has ushered in a new era of commercial space exploration with the successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket by Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy on January 20, 2025. The rocket soared into the sky from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., embarking on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"
This landmark launch not only marks China's first commercial rocket launch of the year but also signifies the growing capabilities of the nation's private space sector. The CERES-1 Y16 rocket carried five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, showcasing Galactic Energy's advancements in rocket technology and satellite deployment.
The quartet of Yunyao-1 satellites aboard the rocket are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These sophisticated instruments allow scientists and researchers to collect vital data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data is crucial for enhancing meteorological observations and has promising applications in sectors like mining through satellite internet constellation systems.
In addition to the Yunyao-1 satellites, the JTX A-05 satellite was also deployed. Equipped with a hyperspectral camera payload, this satellite is set to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. Its capabilities will benefit a wide range of fields, including environmental monitoring, detecting industrial emissions, identifying gas leaks, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning. The deployment of these satellites reflects China's commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development and industry innovation.
The successful launch from Galactic Energy's new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, underscores the company's rapid growth and technological prowess. To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, sending a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is pushing the boundaries of commercial spaceflight with the development of the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket boasting a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. Chief Government Affairs Officer Meng Xianbo revealed that the CERES-2 is slated for its maiden flight in June 2025, with a total of four launches planned for the year.
Moreover, the company's efforts in reusable rocket technology are gaining momentum. The Pallas-1, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, has achieved significant milestones, with most key technologies already developed. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi announced at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is expected to make its inaugural flight in the first half of this year, signaling a new chapter in cost-effective and sustainable space exploration.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
