Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, inaugurating China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
At precisely 6:11 p.m. on January 20, the CERES-1 Y16 roared to life at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, embarking on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\" The rocket carried five satellites—Yunyao-1 37 to 40 and the JTX A-05—into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 535 kilometers.
This launch signifies the 16th mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has successfully deployed a total of 63 satellites into their intended orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The quartet of Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments will facilitate the acquisition of critical atmospheric data—including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density—enhancing meteorological observations and providing valuable insights for satellite internet constellation systems applicable to industries such as mining.
Meanwhile, the JTX A-05 satellite, outfitted with a hyperspectral camera payload, will capture high-resolution remote sensing images. The data obtained will have wide-ranging applications across various sectors, including environmental monitoring, detection of industrial emissions and gas leaks, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
In Beijing, Galactic Energy is pushing the boundaries of commercial spaceflight with the development of the CERES-2, 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 slated for its maiden flight in June, with plans for four launches in 2025.
Adding to their ambitious portfolio, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has achieved significant strides, with most key technologies developed. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi shared that the Pallas-1 is expected to make its inaugural flight in the first half of this year, signifying a leap forward in the company's commitment to sustainable and cost-effective space exploration.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
