In a significant milestone for China's burgeoning space industry, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20, 2025, marking the nation's first commercial rocket launch of the year.
The CERES-1 Y16 blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., carrying five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The mission, aptly named \"On Your Shoulders,\" delivered the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite into their pre-set orbits.
Advancing Satellite Technology
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of vital atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data collected hold significant potential for meteorological observations and could play a crucial role in the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, on the other hand, is fitted with a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. The applications of this technology are vast, spanning environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy's Ongoing Endeavors
The successful launch marks the 16th mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now deployed a total of 63 satellites into orbit. 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. This development signifies a step forward in China's efforts to enhance its domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is actively 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 scheduled to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Furthermore, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies. Galactic Energy's founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, revealed at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This reusable rocket represents a significant advancement in reducing the costs associated with space launches and underscores China's commitment to sustainable space exploration.
A New Era for China's Commercial Space Industry
The successful launch of CERES-1 Y16 not only demonstrates Galactic Energy's growing capabilities but also reflects the rapid development of China's commercial space sector. With continued investment and innovation, China is positioning itself as a major player in the global space industry, offering new opportunities for technological advancement and international collaboration.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
