CAST
China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), established in 1968 and based in Beijing, is a leading Chinese organization dedicated to the research, design, and manufacturing of spacecraft and related technologies.
- Founded
- 1968
- Headquarters
- Beijing, China
- Ownership
- Subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation
Quick Facts
About CAST
China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), established in 1968 and based in Beijing, is a leading Chinese organization dedicated to the research, design, and manufacturing of spacecraft and related technologies. As a core component of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), CAST focuses primarily on satellite systems and deep space exploration vehicles. The company’s core business revolves around the development of complete satellite systems, encompassing design, fabrication, testing, and in-orbit operation.
CAST is particularly known for its DFH series of satellite platforms, which serve as the foundation for a wide range of applications including communications, Earth observation, and navigation. Beyond commercial and operational satellites, CAST has played a pivotal role in China’s ambitious lunar exploration program, serving as the primary developer of the Chang'e lunar spacecraft series. This includes the landers, orbiters, and rovers that have successfully achieved soft landings on the Moon and conducted scientific investigations.
Given its long history and position within CASC, CAST holds a significant and likely dominant position within the Chinese space industry, particularly in the development of complex spacecraft. While specific customer details are not publicly available, its involvement in national programs like the Chang'e missions and the development of essential satellite infrastructure suggests a primary role serving the Chinese government and national space initiatives.
Without accessible website content, a detailed assessment of current product offerings and specific market positioning is limited. However, CAST’s established expertise in satellite platforms and deep space exploration clearly positions it as a key driver of China’s advancements in space technology and a major player in the global space landscape.
Signals
- Verification
- Verified 2026-09-05
Categories & Capabilities
Industry Categories
Latest from Agency Feeds
1 mentions across NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, JPL & SpaceX
Auto-matched by name from primary national-agency RSS feeds. See full live feed →
Links
Location
Loading map...
Share
Suggest an Edit
Is this information outdated or incorrect? Help us improve this profile.
Submit CorrectionExplore More
Discover 1,000+ space companies worldwide
Similar Companies
Other companies in satellite-manufacturing
China Great Wall Industry
China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), established in 1980, operates as the primary commercial interface for Chi...
ISRO Satellite Centre
The ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), established in 1972 and located in Bangalore, India, is the primary hub for satellite ...
KACST
KACST Space, established in 1985 and based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focuses on the research and development, and manufac...
URSC
U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), formerly ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), is ISRO's primary satellite development facili...
Agência Espacial Brasileira
The Agência Espacial Brasileira (AEB), founded in 1994 and based in Brasilia, Brazil, is the national space agency respo...
INTA
The Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA), founded in 1942 and based in Madrid, Spain, is a multidi...
Also in China
Other space companies based in China
Frequently asked about CAST
Quick answers to the questions readers most often search for.
- When was CAST founded?
- CAST was founded in 1968 in China.
- Where is CAST headquartered?
- CAST is headquartered in Beijing, China.
- What does CAST do?
- China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), established in 1968 and based in Beijing, is a leading Chinese organization dedicated to the research, design, and manufacturing of spacecraft and related technologies. As a core component of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), CAST focuses primarily …
- What sector does CAST operate in?
- CAST works in satellite manufacturing, Spacecraft and Research, plus 2 other space-industry sectors.
Sources
The structured fields on this page (founding year, location, sector, status, listing) and the profile text are drawn from the sources below. How profiles are drafted and checked is described in our methodology.
- Official website (www.cast.cn/english)
- Wikidata / Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-09-05
Data Accuracy Notice: Information about CAST is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.
