Ceres-1 / Ceres-1S

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Overview

Four-stage small-lift launch vehicle with three solid-propellant stages and a hydrazine upper stage. The sea-launched Ceres-1S variant flies from a platform in the Yellow Sea.

Operational since 2020 and China's most-flown private rocket, with 23 launches and 21 successes from land and sea. It suffered its second failure (Y19) in November 2025.

Key Specs

Payload to LEO

400 kg (200 km)

Payload to SSO

300 kg (500 km)

Height

~19-20 m

Propellant

Solid (stages 1-3) + hydrazine (stage 4)

Launch Record

23 launches, 21 successes

First Flight

Nov 7, 2020 (success)