Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy achieved a significant milestone on January 20 with the successful launch of the 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., embarking on a mission dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The payload included the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch signifies the 16th mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now successfully 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-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement highlights the company's expanding capabilities and contributions to China's growing commercial space industry.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the acquisition of data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites have broad applications in meteorological observation and hold potential for demonstrating 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. The data gathered can be applied 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 forging ahead with the development of 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.
Additionally, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This progress underscores Galactic Energy's commitment to advancing reusable rocket technology, which is essential for reducing the cost of access to space.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
