Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 rocket on Monday, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The event signifies a significant milestone in the nation's rapidly growing commercial space industry.
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 on a mission dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\" It delivered five satellites, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 and the JTX A-05, into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
This launch marks the 16th successful mission 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.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the acquisition of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data have broad applications in meteorological observation and could enhance satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. The satellite's capabilities will support a range of sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leak identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy is also progressing with the development of 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.
In addition, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi announced that the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, highlighting Galactic Energy's commitment to advancing reusable launch technology.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
