Under the twilight sky of northwest China, a roar pierced the silence as Galactic Energy's CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket soared into space. On Monday at 6:11 p.m., the rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking not only the company's latest achievement but also China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The mission, poignantly named \"On Your Shoulders,\" symbolizes the nation's growing aspirations in the commercial space industry.
The CERES-1 Y16 carried five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit 535 kilometers above the Earth. Among these payloads were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites, laden with advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection equipment, and the JTX A-05 satellite, equipped with cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging technology.
This launch signifies a significant milestone for Galactic Energy. With 16 successful launches under its belt, the CERES-1 series has now delivered 63 satellites into orbit. The Y16 rocket is particularly noteworthy as it is the first to be produced at Galactic Energy's new state-of-the-art research and development facility in Ziyang, Sichuan Province, highlighting the company's rapid growth and technological advancement.
The Yunyao-1 satellites are set to revolutionize meteorological observation by collecting critical atmospheric data, including temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. This data is invaluable for weather forecasting, climate research, and can even aid in the development of satellite internet constellation systems for industries like mining.
Meanwhile, the JTX A-05 satellite's hyperspectral camera promises to enhance remote sensing capabilities. Its applications are vast, offering benefits in environmental monitoring by detecting pollutants, aiding in agricultural surveillance through crop analysis, assisting in mineral exploration, supporting forest management, and contributing to efficient urban planning.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is expanding its horizons with the development of the CERES-2 rocket, a solid carrier capable of delivering 1.6 tonnes into orbit. As shared by Chief Government Affairs Officer Meng Xianbo, the CERES-2 is scheduled for its maiden flight in June, with a total of four launches planned for 2025.
Moreover, the company's ambitions extend to reusable rocket technology with the Pallas-1. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi recently announced at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 has completed most key technological developments and is poised for its inaugural flight in the first half of this year. This advancement places Galactic Energy at the forefront of cost-effective and sustainable space travel.
Galactic Energy's pioneering efforts embody China's escalating presence in the global commercial space arena. As the company continues to break new ground, its innovations are set to have far-reaching impacts, fostering advancements across various industries and contributing to a future where space technology plays an integral role in everyday life.
Reference(s):
CERES-1 Soars: China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025
cgtn.com
