Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has made history with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China’s first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, on a mission aptly named “On Your Shoulders.”
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Among them were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite, each poised to contribute significantly to various fields ranging from meteorological observation to environmental monitoring.
This launch signifies a milestone for Galactic Energy, with the CERES-1 series now having completed 16 launches and sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Impressively, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at the company’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 advanced instruments enable the acquisition of critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data are invaluable for meteorological observations and have promising applications in satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology can be applied across multiple sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is forging ahead 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 expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Additionally, the company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has made significant strides. CEO and founder Liu Baiqi announced at Airshow China 2024 that they have completed the development of most key technologies, with the maiden flight expected in the first half of this year.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
