Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of its 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, on a mission aptly named \"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 the 16th mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has collectively sent 63 satellites into their designated orbits. 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 advanced instruments enable the acquisition of crucial data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold promising applications in meteorological observation and support verification scenarios for satellite internet constellation systems within the mining industry, among other sectors.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. The data obtained will serve multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy 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 to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June. Additionally, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is expected to embark on its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as shared by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at the Airshow China 2024.
The successful launch of CERES-1 Y16 not only underscores Galactic Energy's growing capabilities in commercial spaceflight but also marks a significant advancement in China's commercial aerospace industry, paving the way for future innovations and developments.
CGTN's Zhao Chenchen and Zhang Haoyudi contributed to this report.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
