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 rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, embarking on a mission aptly named \\"On Your Shoulders\\".
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch signifies a significant milestone, as it is the first rocket assembled at Galactic Energy's new research, development, and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
Since its inception, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, successfully sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. The latest mission underscores China's growing capabilities in commercial space exploration and satellite deployment.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. This data has extensive applications in meteorological observation, enhancing weather forecasting accuracy, and supporting satellite internet constellation systems, particularly in industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. These images are invaluable across various sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
In Beijing, Galactic Energy continues to push the boundaries of space technology with the development of the CERES-2 rocket, a solid carrier capable of delivering payloads up to 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, Pallas-1, has achieved significant milestones, having completed the development of most key technologies. Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, revealed at Airshow China 2024 that Pallas-1 is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. The introduction of reusable rocket technology is poised to revolutionize China's commercial space industry by reducing costs and increasing launch frequency.
Galactic Energy's advancements reflect China's accelerating progress in space exploration and technology development, fostering new opportunities for industries and researchers worldwide.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
