Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, embarking on a mission dubbed \"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 launch signifies a milestone, as the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled in Galactic Energy's new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
Since its inaugural flight, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, successfully sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. The continued success of these missions underscores China's growing capabilities in the commercial space sector.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments allow for the acquisition of vital atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data collected has broad applications in meteorological observation and supports satellite internet constellation systems, particularly benefiting industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has diverse applications across multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is 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 expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
In addition, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has made significant advancements, with most key technologies developed. According to the company's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as announced at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
