In a significant milestone for China's burgeoning commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on Monday, marking the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\" The rocket delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite.
Advancements in Satellite Technology
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads, enabling precise data acquisition of atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. These satellites hold significant potential for applications in meteorological observation and satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology can be utilized across various sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy's Ongoing Endeavors
To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, successfully sending 63 satellites into their designated orbits. The CERES-1 Y16 is notable for being the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is 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 expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Furthermore, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has made significant progress, having 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.
Implications for China's Space Industry
The successful launch of the CERES-1 Y16 rocket underscores China's rapid advancements in commercial spaceflight and satellite technology. As the nation continues to invest in space exploration and commercial launch capabilities, these developments are poised to enhance global connectivity, environmental monitoring, and technological innovation across various industries.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
