Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy has successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The launch took place at 6:11 p.m. on January 20 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The mission, dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" delivered five satellites—including Yunyao-1 37~40 and JTX A-05—into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. This achievement brings the total number of satellites sent into orbit by the CERES-1 rocket series to 63 over 16 launches.
The CERES-1 Y16 is notable as the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. The successful launch showcases the company's advancements in rocket technology and production capabilities.
Equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads, the four Yunyao-1 satellites will acquire critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. This information is vital for meteorological observation and has applications in 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. These images will support environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Chief Government Affairs Officer Meng Xianbo, the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Furthermore, the company is making strides with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Having completed the development of most key technologies, the Pallas-1 is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as revealed by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
