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Galactic Energy is the most successful commercial company, with a total of 20 launches and only one failure of its expendable Ceres 1.
Ceres 1
Ceres 1
Debuted on November 7th, 2020, Galactic Energy's expendable rocket is the most successful out of all the commercial companies.
Total of 21 launches, with 20 successes
Three launches 9 days from each other, a record turn around.
Ceres 2
Ceres 2
Galactic Energy is looking to improve upon the Ceres 1 with the Ceres 2. It is still an expendable solid fueled rocket, but the payload capacity will be more than tripled. The rocket will feature4 stages.
New information was released on August 12th, including a static fire of the solid rocket motor. Even some of the payloads have already been confirmed.
Ceres 2 Launch
Ceres 2 Launch
On September 22nd, 2025 Galactic Energy revealed maiden flight Ceres 2 has been completed.
The maiden flight was completed on January 17th, 2026.
https://www.china-in-space.com/p/new-commercial-rocket-fails-during?utm_source=publication-search
Note, the above two photos are only mockups (not real engines). source
Hopper Test
Hopper Test
On July 5th, 2023 Galactic Energy performed a small scale VTVL test likely in preparation for finalization of the Pallas 1 design. (source)
There was supposed to be a second test but it was likely skipped over.
Second Stage Engine Installed
Second Stage Engine Installed
Real engines have been installed. Note, the vacuum optimized for the nozzle shown in this photo has not been installed.
The news video also confirmed that there will be static fire tests done in the next few weeks (June 14)
source (video at 0:16 and 0:52)
Engines Installed and Gimballed
Engines Installed and Gimballed
Seven engines in total on the first stage.
Second Stage Static Fire
Second Stage Static Fire
The burn lasted for a total of 3 minutes and 45 seconds.
https://www.china-in-space.com/p/galactic-energy-fires-pallas-1-second?
Future Iterations
Future Iterations
In the bottom, the names are:
Ceres 1
Ceres 2
Pallas 1
Pallas 2 (and Pallas 2H)
Looks like Galactic wants to improve upon Pallas 1
From first look, it seems like the company is too wrapped up in expendable rockets and has given up the race for reusability.. This corresponds to ULA in the United States. I sure hope Galactic can change their mind.
Ceres 2 is likely to launch before the end of September (same time as Kinetica 2). The launch of Pallas 1 might depend on that flight. As for the goal of launching before the end of the year, I still believe it is possible. The recent attention from the national government puts pressure on them to meet the goal.
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