Chinese private aerospace firm launches new satellite

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – Galactic Energy, a Chinese private aerospace firm, on Friday launched its eighth Ceres-1 rocket to expand its rocket research capabilities, local media said.

Galactic Energy sent Jilin-1 Kuanfu 02A satellite, developed by Chang Guang Satellite Technology Corp, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, daily Global Times reported.

It marked the company's third launch in 35 days and eighth successful mission for this specific rocket model.

After the launch, it will enhance the speed of networking for the Jilin-1 satellite constellation. Additionally, it will broaden the availability of extensive, high-resolution remote sensing data from Jilin-1.

This expanded data resource can offer more abundant remote sensing information and services for purposes such as land and resource assessment, smart urban planning, and advancements in agriculture and forestry.

Jilin-1 is China's first self-developed commercial remote sensing satellite system.

Until now, the Ceres-1 rocket has successfully catered to 15 commercial satellite customers, deploying 29 satellites into space.

These satellites have been utilized for purposes such as Earth observation, meteorological tracking, and educational outreach in science.