China's commercial rocket launches 4 satellites from sea for first time(1/1)

The commercial launch vehicle CERES-1, carrying four satellites, blasts off from the waters of Haiyang, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, Sept. 5, 2023. (Photo/An Di)

(ECNS) -- China sent a sea-launched rocket that carried four satellites into space from the waters of Haiyang, a coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, on Tuesday.

The rocket maker Galactic Energy said it was the first sea-based mission of the CERES-1 series. It also marks the first Chinese private company to complete a liftoff from the sea.

Compared with a land-based launch, the sea launch features more flexibility, better adaptability, and more cost-effectiveness.

Furthermore, debris will fall into the sea rather than on land close to populated areas.

It was the 9th flight mission of the CERES-1 rocket series, the launch center said.