Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy achieved a significant milestone on Monday with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 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. This launch brings the total number of satellites sent into orbit by the CERES-1 series to 63 across 16 successful missions. 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 payload included four Yunyao-1 satellites equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These satellites will collect vital data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications in meteorological observation and the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
Also aboard was the JTX A-05 satellite, featuring a hyperspectral camera payload capable of acquiring high-resolution remote sensing images. The satellite's capabilities will support various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy is also advancing the development of its CERES-2 rocket in Beijing. The CERES-2 is 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 progressed significantly, having 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 anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
Galactic Energy's ongoing advancements in rocket technology reflect China's growing capabilities in the commercial space sector. The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 and the upcoming developments of the CERES-2 and Pallas-1 rockets signify a promising future for the country's aerospace ambitions.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
