Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy has successfully launched its CERES-1 rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, undertaking a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including Yunyao-1 37~40 and the JTX A-05 satellites. This launch signifies the 16th mission for the CERES-1 series, which has now sent a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The quartet of Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of crucial atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data collected has significant applications in meteorological observation and offers promising prospects for satellite internet constellation systems in industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. Its capabilities extend 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 progressing with the development of the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket boasting a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is slated for 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 key technologies and is expected to have its inaugural flight in the first half of this year, as shared by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
