China’s CERES-2 Rocket Places Four Satellites in Orbit

China launched the CERES-2 Y3 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on 7 November 2026. It lifted off at 7:37 a.m. Beijing Time and placed four satellites into a planned 535-kilometre sun-synchronous orbit.

Satellites and their applications

The payload comprised the Guanlan experimental satellite for ocean remote sensing; Yunyao-1 28 for commercial meteorology; Zhongbei Daxue-1 (North University of China-1) for university-led scientific research; and Juntian-1 06A for space situational awareness.

CERES-2 launch vehicle

Developed by commercial rocket maker Galactic Energy (Beijing Galactic Energy Space Technology Co., Ltd.), CERES-2 is a medium-lift vehicle and an upgraded model in the CERES series. It has three solid-propellant stages and a liquid upper stage, with a liftoff mass of about 100 tonnes.

This was the rocket’s second flight and its first successful return to orbit after its debut on 17 January 2026 failed to reach orbit because of an anomaly. The launch was the 26th flight of the CERES family and Galactic Energy’s 27th orbital launch attempt.

Important Facts for Exams

• Stage propulsion: CERES-2 has three solid-propellant stages and a fourth stage using hydrazine propulsion.
• Orbit-dependent payload: CERES-2 can carry 1,600 kg to a 500-kilometre low Earth orbit, but 1,300 kg to a sun-synchronous orbit at that altitude.
• Launcher lineage: CERES-2 developed from the earlier, smaller CERES-1 launcher.