Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its CERES-1 rocket on Monday, heralding China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. 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, embarking on a mission aptly dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The rocket 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 signifies the continued advancement of China's commercial space industry, with the CERES-1 series having completed 16 launches to date, sending a total of 63 satellites into pre-set orbits. 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 four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These payloads enable the acquisition of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data has broad applications in meteorological observation and can enhance the verification of 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. These images will be instrumental in various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
In addition to the CERES-1 series, Galactic Energy is making strides in 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.
Further showcasing its innovative prowess, the company has also made significant progress on the Pallas-1, a reusable rocket. Key technologies for the Pallas-1 have been developed, and it is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This information was shared by the company's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
