In a significant milestone for China's burgeoning commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20, 2025. The launch, aptly named \"On Your Shoulders,\" marks the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025, heralding a new era in the nation's space endeavors.
At precisely 6:11 p.m., the CERES-1 Y16 rocket roared to life at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The rocket ascended gracefully into the evening sky, carrying with it five satellites destined for a sun-synchronous orbit 535 kilometers above Earth. Among them were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite, each equipped with advanced technology poised to make significant contributions across various industries.
A Leap Forward in Satellite Technology
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are outfitted with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. This sophisticated equipment enables the collection of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data is invaluable for meteorological observations and enhancing the capabilities of satellite internet constellations, particularly in the mining industry. The satellites' deployment opens new frontiers in weather prediction and resource management, promising widespread benefits.
The JTX A-05 satellite, on the other hand, carries a hyperspectral camera payload. This cutting-edge instrument allows for high-resolution remote sensing images, facilitating applications in environmental monitoring, industrial emission detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning. The satellite's capabilities underscore the growing importance of space-based technology in addressing Earth's pressing challenges.
Galactic Energy's Growing Legacy
The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 rocket brings Galactic Energy's total launches to 16, with an impressive record of sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at the company's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This state-of-the-art facility represents Galactic Energy's commitment to innovation and its integral role in China's commercial spaceflight sector.
Eye on the Future: CERES-2 and Pallas-1
While celebrating the achievements of the CERES-1 series, Galactic Energy has set its sights on even more ambitious projects. The company is actively developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket boasting a payload capability of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is slated to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June. This advancement signifies a substantial increase in payload capacity, offering more opportunities for deploying larger satellites and payloads into orbit.
Additionally, Galactic Energy is making strides with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. The company has reportedly completed the development of most key technologies for this rocket, which is expected to have its inaugural flight in the first half of this year. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi shared these updates during the Airshow China 2024, highlighting Galactic Energy's dedication to cutting-edge space technology and sustainable launch solutions.
Shaping the Commercial Space Landscape
Galactic Energy's recent accomplishments reflect China's accelerating momentum in the commercial space sector. The successful deployment of advanced satellites and the development of new rocket technologies position the company—and by extension, China—as a significant player in the global space industry. As the nation continues to invest in space exploration and technology, collaborations between commercial entities and government agencies are likely to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and contribute to scientific understanding.
The \"On Your Shoulders\" mission not only commemorates the achievements of those who have paved the way but also symbolizes the new heights that Galactic Energy and China's space industry aim to reach in the coming years.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
