China has kicked off 2025 with its first commercial rocket launch, as Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20. The mission, dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" marks a significant milestone in China's burgeoning commercial space industry.
CERES-1 Y16 Soars from Jiuquan
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., carrying five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Among the payload were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite.
A Growing Legacy
This launch marks the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now sent 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. The expansion signifies the company's commitment to advancing China's commercial space capabilities.
Innovative Satellite Payloads
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data has broad applications in meteorological observation and could play a pivotal role in developing satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite features a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. The technology serves multiple sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking Ahead: CERES-2 and Pallas-1
Galactic Energy is not slowing down. In Beijing, the company 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, CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
The company's ambitions extend to reusable technology as well. The Pallas-1 reusable rocket has completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This advancement positions Galactic Energy at the forefront of China's push towards sustainable and cost-effective space exploration.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
