🚀 Gushenxing-1S (Ceres-1S) | 🛰 Tianqi 37-40
Launch date: May 19, 2025 07:38 UTC
Payload: Tianqi 37-40
Location: Dong Fang Hang Tian Gang (Oriental Spaceport Launch Ship), Chinese coastal waters
Vehicle: Gushenxing-1S (Ceres-1S)
On May 19, 2025, Galactic Energy launched the Gushenxing-1S (Ceres-1S) rocket from the Dong Fang Hang Tian Gang (Oriental Spaceport Launch Ship) near Rizhao, China, deploying four Tianqi IoT satellites (Tianqi 37-40) for Beijing-based Guodian Gaoke. The sea-launched, solid-fueled vehicle supported China’s expanding IoT constellation and marked Ceres-1’s fifth sea launch and twentieth flight overall. This flight advanced the coverage of Guodian Gaoke’s large IoT satellite constellation, completing the initial deployment phase designed to provide global data services for internet-connected devices.
Dong Fang Hang Tian Gang (Oriental Spaceport Launch Ship), Chinese coastal waters
The Dong Fang Hang Tian Gang (Oriental Spaceport Launch Ship) is a sea-based mobile launch platform used by Galactic Energy, a Chinese commercial space company, for launching its Ceres-1S (Gushenxing-1S) solid-fueled rockets. Operating in the coastal waters of China, the ship-based spaceport provides increased flexibility in launch trajectories and reduces risk to populated areas by conducting launches at sea.
This maritime launch capability is part of China’s broader strategy to develop commercial space launch infrastructure and improve competitive access to orbit. The Oriental Spaceport Launch Ship has played a pivotal role in demonstrating reliable sea launches for Galactic Energy, making it one of the key assets in China’s rapidly evolving commercial space sector.