Beijing-based aerospace firm Galactic Energy marked another milestone with the successful launch of its CERES-1 Y10 rocket, deploying eight satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit on March 17. The mission, dubbed "Auld Lang Syne," lifted off at 4:07 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The CERES-1 delivered the Yunyao-1 55-60, AIRSAT-06, and AIRSAT-07 satellites to a 535-kilometer orbit, reinforcing the company’s role in advancing China’s private space sector. Galactic Energy confirmed this marks the 17th launch of its CERES-1 model, which has now placed 71 satellites into preset orbits since its debut.
The launch highlights China’s expanding capabilities in commercial aerospace, a sector increasingly attracting global investors and tech enthusiasts. Analysts note such innovations align with broader economic strategies to strengthen high-tech industries across Asia. Meanwhile, the Jiuquan center’s growing activity underscores its strategic importance in regional space exploration efforts.
