In a significant milestone for China’s burgeoning commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20, 2025. The mission, dubbed “On Your Shoulders,” marks China’s first commercial rocket launch of the year.
The CERES-1 Y16 lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at precisely 6:11 p.m., carrying a payload of five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit 535 kilometers above the Earth. The satellites delivered include Yunyao-1 37~40 and the JTX A-05 satellite, each equipped with advanced technologies poised to contribute significantly to various industries.
This launch represents the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now deployed a total of 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-generation research and development and production base located in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement underscores China’s commitment to accelerating its 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 sophisticated instruments enable the collection of critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications, including enhancing meteorological observations and advancing satellite internet constellation systems, particularly within the mining industry. This technological leap promises to offer more accurate weather forecasting and improved communication services in remote areas.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. The satellite’s capabilities are expected to benefit multiple sectors such as environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning. By providing detailed spectral information, the JTX A-05 satellite will aid in the precise analysis of Earth’s surface materials and conditions, facilitating better decision-making in resource management and environmental protection.
Galactic Energy’s successful launch signifies a promising start to 2025 for China’s commercial space endeavors. It reflects the nation’s growing expertise in rocket technology and satellite deployment, positioning China as a significant player in the global space industry. The continued development and deployment of commercial satellites are anticipated to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and contribute to advancements in science and technology across Asia and beyond.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
