Galactic Energy CERES-1 Rocket Launches New IoT Satellites in China’s First Sea-Based Mission of 2026
Galactic Energy CERES-1 Rocket Launches New IoT Satellites in China’s First Sea-Based Mission of 2026
Synopsis- China carried out its first sea-based satellite launch of the year using a commercial rocket developed by Galactic Energy.
- Four satellites were deployed to strengthen the Tianqi low-Earth-orbit Internet of Things constellation.
- The mission marks a further step toward large-scale commercial application of satellite IoT services.
China has completed its first sea-based rocket launch of the year, sending a new group of commercial satellites into orbit from waters off the eastern coast of Shandong Province. According to reporting by CGTN, the mission was conducted in the early hours of Friday morning, underscoring the accelerating pace of China’s commercial spaceflight activity.
The launch vehicle, CERES-1 Y7, lifted off at 4:10 a.m. carrying four satellites assigned to the Tianqi constellation. All payloads were successfully delivered into their designated orbit, marking another operational milestone for the solid-propellant rocket program.
CERES-1 is a small commercial launch vehicle developed by Beijing-based Galactic Energy and designed specifically for deploying micro-satellites into low-Earth orbit. Since introducing its sea-launch configuration, the rocket has completed six maritime missions following its first offshore flight in September 2023. In total, the company has executed 21 commercial launch missions, placing 89 satellites with varied functions into planned orbital positions.
The Tianqi constellation represents China’s first low-Earth-orbit satellite network dedicated to Internet of Things data communications. The system is designed for global coverage and emphasizes compact satellite design, low power consumption, and cost efficiency. Its architecture supports data transmission across space, air, land, and maritime environments, enabling consumer-grade satellite IoT services worldwide.
Applications of the Tianqi system span a wide range of sectors, including forestry, agriculture, emergency response, tourism, water management, electric power, oil and gas, marine operations, environmental monitoring, smart city development, and the broader digital economy.
The offshore launch was organized by the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center and marked the 23rd flight mission of the CERES-1 carrier rocket. The deployment also serves as an enhancement phase for the Tianqi constellation, following the completion of its initial global network rollout during a previous CERES-1 mission in May. With the latest satellites in place, the constellation is entering a phase focused on expanded commercial adoption and ecosystem-driven growth in next-generation satellite communications, CGTN reported.
Source: CGTN – Have a Story? Address it to the Editor and submit it here
About Galactic Energy
Galactic Energy is a Beijing-based commercial space launch company specializing in the development and operation of small satellite launch vehicles. The company focuses on solid-propellant rocket technology aimed at providing reliable, cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit for commercial and institutional customers. Its flagship CERES-1 rocket has been designed to support high-frequency launch demands, including both land-based and sea-based missions. Since entering operational service, Galactic Energy has steadily expanded its launch record, delivering dozens of commercial satellites for communications, Earth observation, and technology demonstration purposes. By emphasizing standardized rocket design, rapid launch readiness, and diversified mission profiles, the company has positioned itself as a key participant in China’s growing commercial space sector, supporting the deployment of satellite constellations and the broader development of space-enabled digital infrastructure.
Featured image Source: SCMP
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