Galactic Energy's Ceres-1 Rocket Achieves Fourth Sea Launch, Expands Tianqi Satellite Network
December 22, 2024China's launch activity is expected to significantly increase in 2025 as it begins constructing the Qianfan and Guowang megaconstellations.
Galactic Energy is also preparing for the debut flight of its Pallas-1 rocket in 2025, which aims for first stage reusability and has a capacity of 8,000 kg to a 200-kilometer low Earth orbit.
Overall, China has executed 14 sea-based launches using four different rocket models, including Ceres-1, since the inception of this launch method.
The Tianqi satellites were placed in orbits at an altitude of 850 kilometers with a 45-degree inclination, with plans for a total of 38 satellites in the constellation's first phase.
With this launch, the Ceres-1 rocket has completed 16 launches, achieving 15 successful missions overall.
The Tianqi Network, developed by Guodian Gaoke, now includes 33 satellites that support data collection for various sectors, including forestry and agriculture.
The December launches represent China's 65th and 66th orbital attempts of 2024, contributing to over 260 spacecraft launched this year.
Galactic Energy successfully launched its Ceres-1 rocket from a mobile platform in the Yellow Sea on December 19, 2024, marking its fourth sea launch.
The launch took place at 6:18 PM and successfully placed four Tianqi satellites into a low-Earth orbit approximately 850 kilometers above the Earth.
This mission marked the third time that a Ceres-1 rocket has deployed a batch of four Tianqi satellites.
The satellites, numbered 33-36, are part of a constellation aimed at providing narrow-band Internet of Things services, bringing the total number of Tianqi satellites in orbit to 33.
The Ceres-1 launch followed another successful launch on December 16, 2024, when a Long March 2D rocket delivered four Piesat-2 synthetic aperture radar satellites into orbit.
Summary based on 2 sources
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SpaceNews • Dec 19, 2024
China nears record launch year with Ceres-1 and SAR satellite missions