Galactic Energy's CERES-1 Y16 rocket soared into the skies on Monday, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
At precisely 6:11 p.m. on January 20, the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The mission, aptly named \"On Your Shoulders,\" successfully delivered five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 and the JTX A-05 satellites.
This launch signifies a significant milestone for Galactic Energy, a Beijing-based rocket maker, as the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at their new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. With this mission, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, sending a total of 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data is invaluable for meteorological observation and holds promising applications in satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, on the other hand, carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has a wide array of applications, including environmental monitoring, detection of industrial emissions, 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 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 slated to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Additionally, the company is making strides in reusable rocket technology. The Pallas-1, Galactic Energy's reusable rocket, has reportedly completed the development of most key technologies. The 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.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
