At 15:38, Beijing Time, on May 19, 2025, under the organization and command of the maritime launch team from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, Galactic Energy Aerospace Company successfully completed the launch mission of the Ceres-1 Sea-Launch Variant (Y5) (mission code: Huai Xu Fei Tang) off the coast of Shandong. The mission delivered a total of four satellites, namely Tianqi Constellation Phase I Satellites 34-37, into a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 850km and an inclination of 45°.
This mission marked the 19th successful launch for Galactic Energy and the sixth time that the Ceres series rockets have launched satellites for the Tianqi Constellation network. The success of this launch mission signifies the comprehensive completion of the global networking of the Tianqi Constellation Phase I, ushering in a historic moment for the era of the Internet of Everything.
The Tianqi Constellation is China's first low Earth orbit (LEO) Internet of Things (IoT) communication constellation. Phase I consists of 37 satellites, which have now completed networking. This constellation features global coverage, miniaturization, low power consumption, and low cost, providing global users with consumer-grade satellite IoT data services across "space, air, land, and sea." It has been widely applied in various industries such as forestry, agriculture, emergency response, tourism, water conservancy, electric power, petroleum, marine, ecological environment, and smart cities, as well as in digital economy scenarios. It is now advancing towards the satellite direct-connect market for consumer electronics products, including automobiles, intercoms, and wristwatches.
As the only private rocket model capable of accommodating both land and sea launch platforms at present, the Ceres-1 series of carrier rockets has demonstrated flexible geographical and orbital adaptability, as well as high-density launch capabilities, enabling it to rapidly meet the launch needs of different satellite users to the greatest extent possible. Since its maiden flight on September 5, 2023, the Ceres-1 Sea-Launch Variant has completed five maritime launch missions with a 100% success rate.
At present, Galactic Energy Aerospace has successfully conducted 19 commercial launch deliveries, sending a total of 81 commercial satellites with various functions into their predetermined orbits.
