China has successfully launched its first commercial rocket of 2025 as Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy sent the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket into space on January 20. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., marking a significant milestone in the nation's commercial space industry.
The mission, dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" deployed 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 brings the total number of satellites sent into orbit by the CERES-1 rocket series to 63 across 16 successful missions.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement signifies the company's expanding capabilities in rocket production and aerospace innovation.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density data. The satellites have wide-ranging applications in meteorological observation and hold potential for satellite internet constellation systems in industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. The data obtained can be utilized in various fields, including 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 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 information was shared by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at Airshow China 2024, highlighting Galactic Energy's commitment to advancing reusable rocket technology.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
