In a significant milestone for China's burgeoning commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy has successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 rocket, marking the nation's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, carrying a payload of five satellites into orbit.
The mission, aptly named \"On Your Shoulders\", saw the CERES-1 Y16 deliver the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. This launch signifies the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 series, which has now delivered a total of 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 and production facility in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement underscores the company's rapid growth and its commitment to advancing China's commercial space capabilities.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the collection of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data is invaluable for meteorological observation and has promising applications in satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has wide-ranging applications across environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is also developing 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 slated for its maiden flight in June and is expected to conduct four launches in 2025. This development highlights the company's ambitious plans to expand its commercial launch services.
The company's strides in reusable rocket technology are equally noteworthy. The Pallas-1, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, has completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated to undertake its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This advancement, revealed by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at the Airshow China 2024, positions the company at the forefront of China's efforts in sustainable space exploration.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
