At 10:00 on September 1, 2026, the medium-to-large reusable liquid launch vehicle independently developed by Galactic Energy – the Pallas-1 (Y1) – lifted off from the company's dedicated launch pad for the Pallas series at the Jiuquan Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone. The rocket successfully entered its preset orbit per the flight sequence, under the mission name "Riding the Green Dragon, Sailing the Starry River." This successful maiden flight marks Galactic Energy's official entry into a new development phase characterized by a dual-path strategy, advancing both solid and liquid propulsion systems.

Precise Market Positioning, Creating a New-Generation "Space Express"

The Pallas-1 is one of Galactic Energy's core launch vehicle models, strategically developed to address the growing demand for large-scale constellation deployment and large-satellite launch services. Featuring a two-stage configuration (with an optional upper stage), the rocket has a total length of 52 meters, a core stage diameter of 3.35 meters, a liftoff mass of approximately 283 tons, and a liftoff thrust of 350 tons. Its LEO payload capability fully covers the current mainstream demand of 5–7 tons per launch for low-orbit constellation deployment. Designed for no fewer than 25 reuses, the Pallas-1 is committed to providing commercial satellite customers with an efficient, low-cost "space express" service.

In-House Core Propulsion, First Seven-Engine Parallel Configuration Among Domestic Private Firms

The Pallas-1's primary propulsion system is the CQ-50 pintle-type reusable liquid oxygen/kerosene engine, independently developed by Galactic Energy. The rocket's first stage adopts a parallel configuration of seven CQ-50 engines. This design not only accommodates recoverability and reusability but also provides significant fault redundancy – in the event of a single engine failure, the remaining six can still ensure mission success, greatly enhancing overall mission reliability. For recovery and reuse purposes, the engine has demonstrated a deep throttling capability from 32% to 105% in actual tests, as well as multiple restart capabilities.

Rocket Features:

Independently developed pintle-type deep-throttling LOX/kerosene engine, with over 23,000 seconds of cumulative test firing;

Seven-engine parallel redundant power system, integrating structural and power system design;

Integrated avionics system design, reducing system complexity;

In-house developed, mature and reliable bipropellant auxiliary power system, verified through multiple flight missions;

Innovative multi-dimensional aerodynamic load-relief technology, improving launch efficiency;

Efficient and compact "three-level horizontal" test-launch operation model, suitable for high-frequency launches;

Optional Eros-2 upper stage, providing greater mission flexibility.

Steady Progress Toward High-Frequency Reuse and Commercialization

According to the roadmap, the Pallas-1's recovery and reuse will proceed through a prudent phased approach:

Phase 1: Baseline validation on the maiden flight, achieving orbit insertion, obtaining comprehensive flight data, and verifying overall propulsion and control baseline capabilities;

Phase 2: In subsequent missions, gradually initiate first-stage reentry control, grid-fin operation, braking deceleration, and sea/land定点 recovery validation, culminating in full vertical landing and recovery of the first stage;

Phase 3: Move into high-frequency reuse and large-scale commercialization, optimizing overhaul and refurbishment processes, reducing reuse costs, and increasing turnaround efficiency.

Dedicated Launch Pad, Upgraded Infrastructure System

This launch marked the first use of Galactic Energy's self-built dedicated launch pad (Phase I) for the Pallas series of rockets. As an exclusive facility for the Pallas liquid launch vehicle family, it fully supported the entire process of testing, fueling, and launch operations. This also signifies the closure of Galactic Energy's integrated capabilities across R&D, production, testing, and launch, laying a solid foundation for accelerated delivery capacity in the future.

Dual Solid-Liquid Strategy, Serving Diverse Market Demands

As China's first private rocket company to achieve consecutive and stable successful launches, Galactic Energy has to date conducted 22 orbital launch missions, accurately delivering a total of 89 commercial satellites of various functions into their designated orbits. With the successful launch of the Pallas-1, Galactic Energy now formally possesses a synergistic product matrix comprising the "Ceres" series of small-to-medium solid launch vehicles and the "Pallas" series of medium-to-large reusable liquid launch vehicles, further enhancing its market service capabilities.

Behind this track record lies the long-standing trust, support, and encouragement from all quarters. We extend our highest respect to the China National Space Administration, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, and all levels of party and government authorities; our sincere gratitude to all shareholders, customers, suppliers, insurance companies, and media friends; and our heartfelt appreciation to every member of the Galactic Energy team and their families. Galactic Energy will live up to expectations, repaying every measure of trust with more reliable launch services and solid technological advancements, and joining hands with all partners to write a new chapter in China's commercial space industry.

Looking ahead, as low-orbit constellation deployment enters a peak period, Galactic Energy will continue to refine its full-spectrum payload capability covering 300 kg to 58 tons. Under the dual solid-liquid propulsion strategy, the Pallas series will accelerate its evolution – from breakthroughs in reusable technology to normalized orbital operations – while the Ceres and Pallas series together form a complete, complementary spectrum of solid and liquid, high-and-low capability options. Committed to becoming a core launch provider aligned with national strategic needs, Galactic Energy will contribute to the development of a spacefaring powerhouse and the growth of new quality productive forces.