Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy has made history with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket blasted 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 CERES-1 Y16 rocket soared into the skies, carrying a payload of five satellites, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 series and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch not only underscores China's rapid advancements in commercial spaceflight but also highlights Galactic Energy's growing prominence in the aerospace industry.
Expanding China's Commercial Space Frontier
The successful deployment of these satellites brings the total number sent into orbit by the CERES-1 rocket series to 63, following 16 launches. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, showcasing the company's expanded capabilities.
Satellites with Broad Applications
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments enable the acquisition of vital atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data play a crucial role in meteorological observation and have promising applications in satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, on the other hand, carries a state-of-the-art hyperspectral camera. This technology facilitates the acquisition of high-resolution remote sensing images, which are invaluable across multiple sectors. Applications range from environmental monitoring and industrial emissions detection to gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking Ahead: CERES-2 and Reusable Rockets
While celebrating this milestone, Galactic Energy is setting its sights even higher. In Beijing, the company is developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket boasting 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's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has reached significant development milestones, having completed most key technologies. As shared by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at the Airshow China 2024, the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This advancement represents a significant step towards reducing costs and increasing efficiency in space exploration.
Galactic Energy's achievements not only propel China's commercial space industry forward but also contribute to global efforts in satellite technology and space exploration. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, the company's endeavors are poised to make a lasting impact on both national and international stages.
(CGTN's Zhao Chenchen and Zhang Haoyudi also contributed to this story.)
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
