Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking the first commercial rocket launch in China for 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 dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 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 brings the total number of satellites sent into orbit by the CERES-1 rocket series to 63 across 16 successful launches.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. The company's expansion reflects China's growing capabilities in the commercial space sector.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of vital atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data have broad applications in meteorological observation and can support the development of 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. The satellite's capabilities are expected to benefit multiple 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 capability of 1.6 tonnes. Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, announced that the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
In addition, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. According to founder and CEO Liu Baiqi, the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as reported during Airshow China 2024.
With these advancements, Galactic Energy is poised to make significant contributions to China's commercial space industry, underlining the nation's growing presence in global space exploration.
(CGTN's Zhao Chenchen and Zhang Haoyudi also contributed to this story.)
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
