Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has marked a significant milestone by launching the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket soared into the sky from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 successfully delivered five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers. The satellites include the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 series and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch represents the 16th successful mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now placed a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at the company's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement underscores Galactic Energy's growing capabilities in China's burgeoning commercial space industry.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These sophisticated instruments enable the acquisition of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications in meteorological observation and can enhance satellite internet constellation systems for industries like 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 contribute significantly to various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is making strides in 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 slated to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Additionally, the company is progressing with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Having completed the development of most key technologies, the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, shared insights on this development during Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
