Beijing-based rocket manufacturer Galactic Energy has successfully launched its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025.
The CERES-1 Y16 rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20. The mission, dubbed \"On Your Shoulders,\" delivered five satellites—including the Yunyao-1 37~40 and the JTX A-05—into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.
This launch signifies the 16th successful mission for the CERES-1 rocket series, which has now sent a total of 63 satellites into orbit. Notably, the CERES-1 Y16 is the first rocket to be manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new 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 advanced instruments enable the collection of crucial atmospheric data—including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density—that have broad applications in meteorological observation and satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
The JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has wide-ranging uses in environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Meanwhile, Galactic Energy is advancing the development of its CERES-2 solid carrier rocket in Beijing. With a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes, the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June, according to Meng Xianbo, the company's Chief Government Affairs Officer.
The company is also making strides with its reusable rocket, the Pallas-1. Having completed the development of most key technologies, the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year, as shared 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
