Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy achieved a significant milestone on Monday with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 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 rocket delivered five satellites—including the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite—into a sun-synchronous orbit approximately 535 kilometers above the Earth.
This launch signifies the 16th flight of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has collectively sent 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new state-of-the-art research and development and production facility in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The quartet of Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the collection of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data gathered will have wide-ranging applications in meteorological observations and could enhance satellite internet constellation systems for various industries, such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, on the other hand, carries a hyperspectral camera payload capable of capturing high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology is pivotal for environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
In the midst of these advancements, Galactic Energy is also progressing with the development of 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 scheduled to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Moreover, the company is making strides with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi announced at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 has completed the development of most key technologies and is expected to embark on its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
The continuous innovations by Galactic Energy underscore China's growing capabilities in the commercial space sector, promising exciting developments in satellite technology and space exploration in the years ahead.
