In an auspicious start to 2025, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on Monday, marking the Chinese mainland's first commercial rocket launch of the year. The launch took place at 6:11 p.m. on January 20 at 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 sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers. The satellites include Yunyao-1 37 to 40 and the JTX A-05 satellite, each equipped with advanced technologies set to enhance various sectors ranging from meteorology to urban planning.
This mission marks the 16th successful launch of the CERES-1 rocket series, bringing the total number of satellites deployed by the series to 63. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments allow for the acquisition of critical atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data promises to advance meteorological observation and support industries like mining through satellite internet constellation systems.
Meanwhile, the JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload capable of acquiring high-resolution remote sensing images. Applications of this technology span environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
In Beijing, Galactic Energy is making strides with the development of the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket boasting 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.
Furthermore, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, revealed at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
Galactic Energy's advancements signal a significant push in China's commercial space sector, with implications for global investors, technology enthusiasts, and industries reliant on satellite technologies.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
