Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy achieved a significant milestone on January 20, 2025, with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. This mission, dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" marks China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket carried five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37 to 40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. The 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 hold broad applications in meteorological observation and satellite internet constellation systems, particularly in industries such as mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite, equipped with a hyperspectral camera payload, will acquire remote sensing images applicable in various fields including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
This launch signifies the 16th successful mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now delivered a total of 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.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is progressing with the development of 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 expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
The company is also advancing its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, which has completed the development of most key technologies. Liu Baiqi, the founder and CEO of Galactic Energy, 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
