Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched the 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, embarking on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"
Carrying five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, the CERES-1 Y16 delivered the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch signifies the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has so far placed 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
The CERES-1 Y16 is noteworthy as the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This milestone reflects the company's expanding capabilities in China's burgeoning commercial space sector.
The quartet of Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the collection of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such information holds significant promise for meteorological observation and could play a vital role in satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, equipped with a hyperspectral camera payload, is set to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. Its applications span a wide array of 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 scheduled to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Additionally, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has made significant progress. Having completed the development of key technologies, it is expected to make its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as shared by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi during Airshow China 2024.
