Galactic Energy: Pioneering China’s Commercial Space Industry

Galactic Energy, a Beijing-based private aerospace company, has emerged as a leading player in China’s rapidly evolving commercial space sector. Founded in 2018 by a team of experienced space industry engineers, Galactic Energy has made significant strides in developing and launching its own line of solid and liquid propellant rockets. The company’s primary goal is to provide low-cost, reliable, and flexible launch services to meet the growing demand for commercial satellite deployments.

Company Overview

Established in February 2018, Galactic Energy (officially named Beijing Xinghe Dongli Space Technology Co., Ltd.) has its headquarters in Beijing’s E-Town, a hub for technology and innovation. The company’s founding team consists of senior engineers with 10-20 years of experience in China’s state-run space program. By leveraging their expertise and the government’s policy shift towards encouraging private participation in the space industry, Galactic Energy has positioned itself at the forefront of China’s commercial space race.

The company has attracted significant investment from both domestic and international sources, enabling it to rapidly develop and test its rocket technologies. Galactic Energy has been certified as a New and High-Tech enterprise by Chinese tech hub Zhongguancun and also as a National High-Tech enterprise, further solidifying its position as a leading innovator in the industry.

Rocket Portfolio

Ceres-1 Solid Propellant Launch Vehicle

Galactic Energy’s first rocket, the Ceres-1, is named after the largest asteroid in the solar system’s main asteroid belt. This four-stage solid propellant launch vehicle stands 19 meters tall, with a diameter of 1.4 meters and a liftoff mass of approximately 33 tons. Ceres-1 is capable of delivering a 350 kg payload to low Earth orbit (LEO) or a 300 kg payload to a 500 km Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO).

The Ceres-1 has achieved six consecutive successful launches as of July 2022, demonstrating Galactic Energy’s rapid progress and reliability. The rocket’s modular design and the company’s streamlined manufacturing processes have enabled a high launch frequency, with plans to conduct 6-8 additional Ceres-1 launches before the end of 2023.

One of the most notable achievements of the Ceres-1 rocket is its successful sea launch missions. In September 2023, Galactic Energy conducted the first sea launch of the Ceres-1, designated as Ceres-1S, from a mobile launch platform off the coast of Shandong province in the Yellow Sea. This mission successfully placed four Tianqi satellites into orbit, marking a significant milestone for China’s private commercial aerospace industry.

The sea launch capability offers several advantages, such as reduced environmental impact, minimal disruption to local communities, and the ability to launch from locations better suited for different orbital inclinations. By demonstrating this capability, Galactic Energy has showcased its versatility and adaptability in meeting the diverse needs of its customers.

Following the success of the first sea launch, Galactic Energy conducted its second sea-based mission in May 2024, once again launching from the Yellow Sea. The Ceres-1 rocket successfully delivered four satellites into a 850 km orbit, further validating the company’s sea launch capabilities and solidifying its position as a leader in this innovative approach to commercial space launches.

Pallas-1 Liquid Propellant Launch Vehicle

Galactic Energy’s next-generation rocket, the Pallas-1, is named after the second-largest asteroid in the main belt. This two-stage, partially reusable launch vehicle will be powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene propellants. With a payload capacity of 4 tons to LEO or 2 tons to SSO, Pallas-1 represents a significant step up in capability compared to the Ceres-1.

The company has made substantial progress in developing the key technologies for Pallas-1, including the CQ-50 liquid oxygen/kerosene engines and innovative designs for reducing costs and enabling multiple reuses of the rocket’s first stage. A test flight of Pallas-1 is planned for the third quarter of 2024, with a recoverable first stage flight targeted for 2025.

Pallas-1 will feature seven CQ-50 engines on its first stage, providing a total thrust of 350 tons at liftoff. The rocket’s second stage will be powered by a single CQ-50 engine, optimized for vacuum operation. The rocket’s design incorporates advanced materials, such as carbon fiber composites, to reduce weight and improve performance.

To enable reusability, Pallas-1’s first stage will be equipped with landing legs and grid fins, allowing it to perform a controlled vertical landing after separating from the second stage. This approach, similar to that employed by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, has the potential to significantly reduce launch costs and increase launch frequency.

Galactic Energy has already conducted several successful tests of the CQ-50 engine, including a full-duration burn and a throttling demonstration. The company has also performed a successful hop test using a subscale prototype of the Pallas-1 first stage, validating the rocket’s guidance, navigation, and control systems.

As Pallas-1 nears its debut flight, Galactic Energy is actively engaging with potential customers and partners to secure launch contracts. The company aims to capture a significant share of the growing market for medium-lift launch services, both within China and internationally.

Key Features of Galactic Energy’s Sea Launch Technologies

Galactic Energy’s sea launch capabilities have set the company apart from its competitors and have demonstrated its commitment to innovation and adaptability. The key features of the company’s sea launch technologies include:

• Mobile Launch Platform: Galactic Energy utilizes a modified deck barge as a mobile launch platform, allowing for greater flexibility in launch locations and reducing the need for costly land-based infrastructure.
• Magnesium Strip Locking Mechanism: The company has developed an innovative magnesium strip locking mechanism to secure the rocket to the launch platform. This mechanism ensures the vertical stability of the rocket under sea conditions and can be easily removed for a reliable take-off. Notably, this is the world’s first solid rocket locking and release mechanism that does not rely on explosives.
• Corrosion Protection: To protect the rocket from the harsh marine environment, Galactic Energy applies advanced anti-corrosion coatings and utilizes sealed containers for storage during transit.
• Adaptable Design: The Ceres-1S rocket, specifically designed for sea launches, incorporates features that allow it to adapt to various launching areas, providing affordable and high-quality launch services for smaller payloads to low and medium Earth orbits.
• Precise Orbital Inclination Control: By adjusting the launch site location, Galactic Energy can achieve specific orbital inclination requirements for its customers, demonstrating the versatility of its sea launch capabilities.

Comparison of Galactic Energy’s Sea Launch to Traditional Launch Methods

Galactic Energy’s sea launch approach offers several advantages over traditional land-based launch methods:

• Flexibility: Sea launches allow for greater flexibility in choosing launch sites based on mission requirements, such as target orbits and payload specifications. This flexibility reduces dependence on busy inland spaceports and enables launches from locations better suited for specific orbital inclinations.
• Safety: By conducting launches from mobile platforms positioned far from populated areas, busy airspaces, and shipping lanes, sea launches minimize the risk of causing disturbances or hazards to local communities. This localization of risk is a significant advantage over land-based launches.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Sea launches can be more cost-effective than land-based launches, as they do not require the construction and maintenance of expensive land-based launch facilities. The ability to launch from mobile platforms also reduces the need for costly transportation of rockets and payloads to inland spaceports.
• Environmental Impact: Sea launches have a lower environmental impact compared to land-based launches, as they take place far from populated areas and sensitive ecosystems. The mobile nature of the launch platform also minimizes the need for permanent infrastructure that could disrupt local habitats.
• Launch Cadence: Galactic Energy’s sea launch capabilities enable the company to maintain a high launch cadence, as the mobile launch platform can be quickly repositioned for subsequent missions. This rapid turnaround time is crucial for meeting the growing demand for commercial satellite launches.

Despite these advantages, sea launches also present unique challenges, such as the need to protect rockets from corrosion and the potential for logistical difficulties if a satellite develops a fault and requires repairs before launch. However, Galactic Energy’s innovative technologies and proximity to the coastline help mitigate these challenges, ensuring the company can provide reliable and efficient launch services to its customers.

Funding and Investments

Galactic Energy has attracted significant investment from both domestic and international sources. In January 2022, the company raised $200 million in Series B funding to support the development of its reusable Pallas-1 rocket and related infrastructure. This followed a $21.5 million funding round in December 2019, which was used to prepare for the first launch of the Ceres-1 rocket and initiate the development of Pallas-1.

As of December 2021, Galactic Energy had raised a total of 1.27 billion yuan (approximately $190 million) from investors such as Oriental Fortune Capital, Huaqiang Capital, Puhua Capital, Amphora Capital, and Yuanhang Capital.

The company’s successful fundraising efforts reflect the growing confidence in China’s commercial space sector and Galactic Energy’s ability to deliver on its promises. With a strong financial foundation, the company is well-positioned to continue its rapid development and expansion in the coming years.

Milestones and Achievements

Galactic Energy has achieved several significant milestones since its establishment:

These achievements have solidified Galactic Energy’s position as a leader in China’s commercial space industry and have attracted significant attention from both domestic and international customers and partners.

Future Plans and Vision

Galactic Energy has a three-step development plan to establish itself as a leading provider of commercial launch services and enable the utilization of space resources:

1. Develop and operate the Ceres-1 solid propellant rocket to meet the demand for dedicated launches of small satellites and constellations.
2. Achieve vertical reusability of the Pallas-1 medium-lift liquid propellant rocket by 2025 to support the deployment of large-scale low Earth orbit constellations.
3. Develop a large, fully reusable launch vehicle capable of round-trip space missions by 2030 to support future asteroid mining operations.

In addition to its rocket development programs, Galactic Energy is actively engaged in promoting commercial space activities and education in China. The company has collaborated with the China Social Welfare Foundation Autism Children Relief Fund and Alibaba Public Welfare to raise awareness and support for autistic children through the “Star Benefit Color” project.

Looking ahead, Galactic Energy aims to capture a significant share of the growing domestic and international market for commercial launch services. The company’s success in developing and launching the Ceres-1 rocket, coupled with its ambitious plans for the reusable Pallas-1, has positioned it as a strong contender in the global commercial space race.

As China continues to open up its space sector to private enterprise and international collaboration, Galactic Energy is poised to play a leading role in driving innovation, reducing launch costs, and expanding access to space for a wide range of commercial applications. The company’s commitment to reliability, affordability, and long-term sustainability has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner for customers seeking dedicated launch services.

In the coming years, Galactic Energy plans to further expand its launch capabilities by establishing additional launch sites, both on land and at sea. The company is actively exploring opportunities to collaborate with international partners and customers, leveraging its expertise and resources to support the growing global demand for commercial space services.

Ultimately, Galactic Energy’s vision extends beyond providing launch services. The company’s long-term goal of developing a fully reusable launch vehicle capable of supporting asteroid mining operations reflects its ambition to play a leading role in the future utilization of space resources. By combining its technical expertise, innovative spirit, and strong financial backing, Galactic Energy is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the future of space exploration and commercialization.

Summary

Galactic Energy has emerged as a leading light in China’s burgeoning commercial space industry, demonstrating rapid progress and technical prowess through its successful Ceres-1 launches and ambitious plans for the reusable Pallas-1 rocket. By combining the expertise of its founding team, strategic investments, and a clear vision for the future, Galactic Energy is well-positioned to play a significant role in shaping the global commercial space landscape in the coming years.

As China continues to open up its space sector to private enterprise and international collaboration, companies like Galactic Energy will be at the forefront of driving innovation, reducing launch costs, and expanding access to space for a wide range of commercial applications. With its commitment to reliability, affordability, and long-term sustainability, Galactic Energy is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of space exploration and utilization.

The company’s successful sea launches of the Ceres-1 rocket have showcased its versatility and adaptability, offering customers a flexible and environmentally friendly launch option. As Galactic Energy continues to refine its sea launch capabilities and expand its launch sites, it is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for dedicated small satellite launches and support the deployment of large-scale constellations.

Looking ahead, Galactic Energy’s development of the reusable Pallas-1 rocket and its long-term vision of supporting asteroid mining operations reflect the company’s ambition to be a leader in the future utilization of space resources. With a strong financial foundation, a talented and experienced team, and a track record of success, Galactic Energy is poised to make a significant impact on the global commercial space industry in the years to come.