Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has launched the CERES-1 Y16 rocket on Monday, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The successful launch highlights the rapid growth and advancement of China's commercial space sector.
The CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20. The mission, dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" delivered five satellites—including Yunyao-1 37~40 and JTX A-05—into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
This launch marks the 16th mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has so far 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 production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density data. The satellites hold significant potential for applications in meteorological observation and satellite internet constellation systems, particularly in industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite features a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture remote sensing images. Its data can be utilized 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 advancing 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. Additionally, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as stated by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
