Ceres-1
A small solid-fuel rocket that has flown 23 times, including launches from a ship at sea, making it one of China's most-used private launchers.
Why it matters
Small satellite operators need dedicated rides on their own schedule. Ceres-1's long flight record gave Galactic Energy revenue and credibility to fund its larger reusable rockets.
How the technology works
Three solid-fuel stages provide most of the push, and a small liquid-fueled upper stage fine-tunes the final orbit. Galactic Energy has also launched it from a ship off China's coast.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction