Galactic Energy's Ceres‑1 Launch Fails; Payload Misses Orbit After Fourth‑Stage Shutdown

Galactic Energy's Ceres‑1 Launch Fails; Payload Misses Orbit

BEIJING — Chinese commercial space company Galactic Energy said on Monday that a Ceres‑1 launch failed, preventing the mission's payload from reaching orbit, according to a company statement.

The vehicle lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province at 12:02 p.m. local time (0402 GMT). Galactic Energy reported a shutdown during the rocket's fourth‑stage flight, which halted the mission before orbital insertion.

The company said investigators are examining the precise cause of the anomaly and will provide updates when more information becomes available.

Introduced as a four‑stage solid‑fuel launcher for small satellites, Ceres‑1 is a key offering in China's expanding commercial launch sector. This setback highlights the technical risks that remain in rapid private‑sector launch development.

Next steps: An internal and technical investigation is underway. Galactic Energy has not yet released detailed findings, timelines for a report, or information about the payload's status.

(Reporting by Ethan Wang and Eduardo Baptista; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)