China’s CERES-1 Soars: First Commercial Rocket Launch of 2025

On January 20, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy 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., embarking on a mission dubbed \"On Your Shoulders.\"

The CERES-1 Y16 rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch brings the total number of satellites sent into orbit by the CERES-1 series to 63 across 16 missions. Notably, the Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at the company's new-generation 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, enabling them to collect valuable data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. This data has broad applications in meteorological observation and supports the verification of demonstration scenarios for satellite internet constellation systems in industries such as mining.

The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. These images can be utilized in various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.

Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is advancing the development of the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capability 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.

The company's reusable rocket, Pallas-1, has also made significant progress. Having completed the development of most key technologies, Pallas-1 is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This information was shared by the founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, during Airshow China 2024.

Galactic Energy's advancements signify a notable stride in China's commercial space industry, highlighting the nation's growing capabilities in satellite deployment and rocket technology.

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