In a significant milestone for China's commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on Monday, marking the nation's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
At precisely 6:11 p.m. on January 20, the CERES-1 Y16 lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The mission, aptly named \"On Your Shoulders,\" carried five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. Among the payload were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite.
This launch signifies the 16th successful mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now deployed 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 facility in Ziyang, Sichuan Province.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such capabilities hold significant promise for meteorological observation and could revolutionize satellite internet constellation systems within the mining industry and beyond.
The JTX A-05 satellite, also part of the mission, is outfitted with a hyperspectral camera payload. This technology allows for the collection of remote sensing images applicable across multiple sectors, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Galactic Energy is not resting on its laurels. In Beijing, the company is actively developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket boasting a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, Galactic Energy's Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is slated for four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Furthermore, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has made significant strides. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi revealed at Airshow China 2024 that key technological developments have been completed, and the Pallas-1 is expected to undertake its inaugural flight in the first half of this year.
Galactic Energy's advancements signal a robust future for China's commercial space endeavors, contributing to the nation's growing presence in global aerospace exploration.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
