Beijing-based rocket maker Galactic Energy has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y16 carrier rocket, marking China's first commercial rocket launch of 2025. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 6:11 p.m. on January 20, embarking on a mission aptly named \"On Your Shoulders.\"
The CERES-1 Y16 carried five satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit 535 kilometers above Earth. Among them were the Yunyao-1 37~40 satellites and the JTX A-05 satellite. This launch brings the total number of satellites delivered by the CERES-1 series to 63 across 16 missions.
The four Yunyao-1 satellites are equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) occultation detection payloads. These advanced instruments will collect valuable data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, pressure, and ionospheric electron density. Such data are crucial for meteorological observations and have applications in industries like mining through the verification of satellite internet constellation systems.
The JTX A-05 satellite features a hyperspectral camera payload designed to acquire high-resolution remote sensing images. This technology has diverse applications, including environmental monitoring, industrial emissions detection, gas leakage identification, agricultural surveillance, mineral exploration, forest management, and urban planning.
The CERES-1 Y16 is notable for being the first rocket manufactured and assembled at Galactic Energy's new research and development and production base in Ziyang, Sichuan Province. This state-of-the-art facility signifies the company's commitment to advancing China's commercial space capabilities.
Looking ahead, Galactic Energy is developing 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.
Additionally, the company's reusable rocket, the Pallas-1, has made significant progress. Founder and CEO Liu Baiqi revealed at Airshow China 2024 that the Pallas-1 has completed the development of most key technologies and is anticipated 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
