CERES-1 Soars: China's First Commercial Rocket Launch of 2025
In a significant milestone for China's commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on Monday, marking the nation's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\" The rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite.
This launch represents the 16th mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has so far successfully sent 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new state-of-the-art research and development facility in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments are capable of acquiring vital atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold significant potential for applications in meteorological observation and the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
Meanwhile, the JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has diverse applications across environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy is also making strides with its upcoming CERES-2 rocket, a solid carrier rocket boasting 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 advanced significantly, having completed the development of most key technologies. The Pallas-1 is anticipated to make its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as shared by the founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, during Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
