Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20, marking the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. 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. To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. Notably, the CERES-1 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 the acquisition of atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density data. These satellites have broad applications in meteorological observation and the verification of demonstration scenarios for satellite internet constellation systems, particularly in the mining industry.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire remote sensing images. This technology has multiple applications across various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, in Beijing, Galactic Energy is developing 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.
Additionally, the company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This information was revealed by the founder and CEO, Liu Baiqi, at the Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
