Beijing, January 20, 2025 — Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on Monday, marking the first commercial rocket launch in China for 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m., embarking on a mission dubbed “On Your Shoulders.” The rocket delivered five satellites, including the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite, into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
This launch signifies the 16th mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now successfully placed 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.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These instruments enable the satellites to acquire critical data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. The data have broad applications in meteorological observation and support the development of 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. The satellite’s capabilities can be applied across multiple fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is progressing with the development of 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 scheduled to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Additionally, the company’s reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has completed the development of most key technologies and is expected to undertake its maiden flight in the first half of this year. This development was disclosed by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at Airshow China 2024.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
