In a landmark achievement for China's commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched its CERES-1 rocket on Monday, marking the nation's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket ignited the skies as it blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20. Dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" the mission delivered five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit 535 kilometers above the Earth. Among these were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite, each poised to contribute significantly to various sectors.
This launch signifies the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now sent a total of 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, showcasing the company's expanding capabilities.
Advancements in Satellite Technology
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the satellites to collect critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data holds immense value for meteorological observation and has broad application prospects in fields like satellite internet constellation systems for the mining industry.
Meanwhile, the JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology will aid in environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning, among other applications.
Looking Ahead: Future Launches and Innovations
Galactic Energy continues to push the boundaries of commercial space exploration. In Beijing, the company 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 expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
The company is also making strides with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Having completed the development of most key technologies, the Pallas-1 is expected to embark on its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This was confirmed by Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, during the Airshow China 2024.
With these advancements, Galactic Energy is positioning itself at the forefront of China's burgeoning commercial space sector, contributing to the nation's ambitions in aerospace technology and exploration.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
