Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the CERES-1 rocket on Monday, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The skies over northwest China lit up as the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket soared from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 6:11 p.m. on January 20. Dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" the mission successfully delivered five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit, heralding a new era in China's commercial space endeavors.
This launch marks the 16th success 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 research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, showcasing the company's expanding capabilities.
The payload included four Yunyao-1 satellites, each equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of critical atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The satellites hold vast potential for applications in meteorological observation and could play a pivotal role in satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
Also aboard was the JTX A-05 satellite, carrying a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology can be applied across multiple sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is progressing with the development of the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capability of 1.6 tonnes. Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer, announced that the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
The company's ambitious plans don't stop there. According to founder and CEO Liu Baiqi, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This advancement signifies a major step forward in China's commercial space industry, opening doors to more sustainable and cost-effective launch options.
The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 not only underscores Galactic Energy's technological prowess but also reflects China's growing presence in the global commercial space sector. As the nation continues to foster innovation and expand its capabilities, the future of space exploration and satellite technology in Asia looks increasingly promising.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
