Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket lifted 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."
The CERES-1 Y16 delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This mission signifies a significant milestone as the first rocket manufactured and assembled in the company's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
With this launch, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 missions, successfully sending 63 satellites into their pre-set orbits. The consistent performance of the CERES-1 rockets underscores China's growing capabilities in commercial space exploration and satellite deployment.
Advanced Satellite Payloads
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments allow for the acquisition of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data are invaluable for meteorological observation and have broad applications, including verification of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite is outfitted with a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. Its capabilities extend across various fields, such as environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking Ahead: New Launches and Technologies
Galactic Energy is also advancing 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 expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
In addition, the company is making significant progress with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. The development of key technologies for the Pallas-1 has been largely completed, and its maiden flight is anticipated in the first half of this year, as indicated by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at the Airshow China 2024.
The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 and the upcoming developments in Galactic Energy's rocket programs reflect China's rapidly evolving commercial space sector. These advancements not only bolster China's position in space exploration but also provide valuable opportunities for global collaboration and technological innovation.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
