China has ushered in the new year with a monumental achievement in space exploration. Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20, marking the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on a mission aptly named 'On Your Shoulders.' The rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite.
This launch signifies a significant milestone for Galactic Energy. 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. To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, successfully sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments allow for the acquisition of crucial data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold broad application prospects in meteorological observation and the verification of demonstration scenarios for satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has multifaceted applications across environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy continues to advance its innovative projects. In Beijing, the company is developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, Galactic Energy'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 achieved significant progress. The development of most key technologies has been completed, and the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This information was shared by Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, during the Airshow China 2024.
Galactic Energy's successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 and its ambitious plans for the future underscore China's rapidly advancing capabilities in commercial space exploration. As the nation continues to foster innovation in the aerospace sector, global observers and industry stakeholders will be watching closely.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
