Ceres-1 | 3 satellites

Ceres-1 Rocket Successfully Deploys Three Satellites in Latest Mission

On September 5, 2025, China's Galactic Energy marked another milestone in its space endeavors with the successful launch of the Ceres-1 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This mission, carrying three satellites—Kaiyun-1, Yuxing-3-08, and Yunyao-27—into a Sun-synchronous orbit, underscores the growing capabilities of private aerospace firms in the global space race. The deployment highlights China's push toward affordable, rapid-response satellite launches, catering to an increasingly crowded low Earth orbit environment.

The primary objectives of this mission centered on enhancing Earth observation and communication networks. Kaiyun-1, developed by a consortium of Chinese tech firms, is designed for high-resolution remote sensing, supporting applications in agriculture, urban planning, and disaster monitoring. Its advanced imaging sensors can capture data with sub-meter accuracy, enabling real-time environmental assessments. Yuxing-3-08 contributes to a constellation aimed at global navigation and positioning, improving accuracy for civilian uses like autonomous vehicles and precision farming. Meanwhile, Yunyao-27 focuses on atmospheric research, equipped with instruments to study aerosols and climate patterns, which could refine models for weather prediction and pollution tracking. Together, these payloads demonstrate the Ceres-1's versatility in handling multi-satellite deployments, with a total payload mass estimated at around 400 kilograms. This capability allows for cost-effective ridesharing, reducing launch expenses for smaller operators and fostering innovation in satellite technology.

At the heart of the mission is the Ceres-1 rocket itself, a four-stage, solid-propellant vehicle standing approximately 20 meters tall and weighing about 81 tons at liftoff. Developed by Galactic Energy, a Beijing-based private company founded in 2018, the rocket features a diameter of 1.4 meters and relies on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) solid fuel for its propulsion. The first three stages provide the thrust needed to escape Earth's atmosphere, while the fourth stage offers precise orbital insertion. With a payload capacity of up to 400 kg to a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit, Ceres-1 is optimized for small satellites, boasting a thrust-to-weight ratio that enables quick turnaround times—often just weeks between missions. Its design emphasizes simplicity and reliability, drawing from proven solid-rocket technologies while incorporating modern avionics for autonomous flight control. This makes it particularly suited for commercial clients seeking agile launches without