CERES-1 Soars: China's First Commercial Rocket Launch of 2025
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 Monday, marking the country's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The launch took place at 6:11 p.m. on January 20 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, under the mission name \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This achievement 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 to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. The company's expansion into this facility signifies a step forward in China's capacity to produce advanced commercial rockets.
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 has broad applications in meteorological observation and supports the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, on the other hand, carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. These images have versatile uses across various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is accelerating the development of the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capability of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
The company's ambitions do not stop there. The Pallas-1, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, has completed the development of most key technologies. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi revealed at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is slated for its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
This series of advancements underscores China's rapid progress in commercial space exploration and satellite technology. The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 not only demonstrates the reliability of Galactic Energy's rocket technology but also highlights the nation's commitment to expanding its presence in space through innovative commercial ventures.
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CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
