Galactic Energy's CERES-1 Y16 Rockets into 2025
Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on Monday, 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 dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 successfully 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 represents the 16th mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now sent a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
The Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads, enabling the acquisition of atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density data. These satellites have broad applications in meteorological observation and the verification of satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture remote sensing images. The data collected can be applied across multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is developing the CERES-2 rocket, 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.
The company is also advancing its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, which has completed the development of most key technologies. The Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as announced 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
