In a landmark achievement for China's commercial space industry, Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy successfully launched the CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket on January 20, marking the first commercial rocket launch of 2025 in China.
The CERES-1 Y16 lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. local time on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\" The rocket carried five satellites into a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, including the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite.
This launch represents a significant milestone for Galactic Energy, being the first rocket manufactured and assembled at the company's new-generation research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. To date, the CERES-1 rocket series has completed 16 launches, deploying a total of 63 satellites into orbit.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads, enabling the collection of vital atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. These satellites hold promising applications in meteorological observation and the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
Meanwhile, the JTX A-05 satellite carries a hyperspectral camera payload designed to capture high-resolution remote sensing images. The data from this satellite can be utilized in various fields, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is making significant strides in advancing its rocket technology. The company is developing the CERES-2, a solid carrier rocket with a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes. According to Meng Xianbo, Galactic Energy's Chief Government Affairs Officer, the CERES-2 is expected to conduct four launches in 2025, with its maiden flight targeted for June.
Additionally, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has reportedly completed the development of most key technologies. As shared by founder and CEO Liu Baiqi at Airshow China 2024, the Pallas-1 is expected to have its maiden flight in the first half of this year.
Galactic Energy's advancements underscore the rapid development of China's commercial space sector, contributing to broader applications in satellite technology and rocket reusability. These developments are poised to have significant impacts across various industries, both within China and globally.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
