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Galactic Energy’s CERES-1 Rocket Marks China’s First Commercial Launch of 2025

Galactic Energy's Milestone: CERES-1 Rocket Launches Five Satellites, Ushering in China's Commercial Space Era of 2025

Beijing, China – January 20, 2025

Galactic Energy, a Beijing-based rocket manufacturer, has made history with the launch of its 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, carrying five satellites into orbit on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"

The CERES-1 Y16 rocket successfully delivered the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers. This launch signifies a significant step forward in China's commercial space sector, demonstrating the growing capabilities of private companies in contributing to space exploration and satellite deployment.

To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, deploying a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket assembled in Galactic Energy's new state-of-the-art research and development facility located in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.

Advancements in Satellite Technology

The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the collection of crucial atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data gathered have broad applications in meteorological observation and can aid in the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.

The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has versatile applications across multiple sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.

Looking Ahead: Future Launches and Innovations

Galactic Energy is not resting on its laurels. The company is actively developing the CERES-2, a solid-fuel carrier rocket with a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, announced that the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.

In addition, the company's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, revealed that Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. The Pallas-1 is slated for its maiden flight in the first half of this year, signaling a new era of reusable launch vehicles in China's commercial space industry.

A New Era for China's Commercial Space Industry

The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 rocket not only highlights Galactic Energy's technological prowess but also signifies the rapid growth and potential of China's commercial space sector. As private companies like Galactic Energy continue to innovate and push the boundaries of space technology, they are poised to play a significant role in global space exploration and satellite deployment efforts.

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