Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China’s first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, embarking 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 and the JTX A-05 satellites. This mission signifies the continued progress of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now completed 16 launches and sent 63 satellites into their designated orbits.
Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy’s new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This advancement highlights the company’s expanding capabilities and contribution to China’s burgeoning commercial space industry.
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 application prospects in meteorological observation and the validation of satellite internet constellation systems for industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture remote sensing images. The data collected can be applied in various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, 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.
The company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as learned from founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
