CERES-1 Soars: China's First Commercial Rocket Launch of 2025
Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy marked a significant milestone on January 20 with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket. Blasting off at 6:11 p.m. from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, the mission, aptly named \"On Your Shoulders,\" heralded the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket carried five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers. Among the payload were the Yunyao-1 satellites 37 to 40 and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch brings the total number of satellites delivered by the CERES-1 series to 63 over 16 successful missions.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new research and development facility in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This state-of-the-art base represents a significant step forward in China's commercial space endeavors.
Advancements in Satellite Technology
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of crucial atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications in meteorological observation and hold promise for advancing satellite internet constellation systems, particularly in industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, featuring a hyperspectral camera payload, is set to enhance capabilities in remote sensing. Its data will support environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking Ahead: CERES-2 and Pallas-1
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy continues to push the boundaries of space technology. 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, the CERES-2 is slated for four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Additionally, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has achieved significant progress in key technological developments. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi announced at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is expected to have its inaugural flight in the first half of this year.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
