Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the CERES-1 rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The event underscores China's burgeoning private space industry and its ambitions in satellite deployment and space exploration.
On January 20 at 6:11 p.m., the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\" The rocket delivered five satellites—Yunyao-1 37~40 and JTX A-05—into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
This launch represents the 16th mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now successfully placed 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled in the company's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications in meteorological observation and can enhance satellite internet constellation systems, particularly in industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. The data collected by this satellite can be utilized across multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy continues to advance its rocket development programs. The company is developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capability 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.
In addition, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, indicated that the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
Galactic Energy's achievements reflect China's growing capabilities in the commercial space sector, contributing to global advancements in satellite technology and space exploration. As the company pushes forward with new projects, it is poised to play a significant role in the future of space technology.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
