China Academy of Space Technology

What China Academy of Space Technology does

China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), also known as the Fifth Academy (五院), is a state-owned aerospace research institute founded in 1968 and headquartered at 104 Youyi Road, Haidian District, Beijing. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), it serves as China's primary designer and manufacturer of spacecraft, satellites, and space station modules for the country's manned spaceflight, lunar, Mars, navigation, Earth observation, and telecommunications programs.

CAST's core technical portfolio spans satellite bus platforms (DFH-4, DFH-4E, DFH-4SP, DFH-5), the Shenzhou and Mengzhou crewed spacecraft families, the Tianhe, Wentian, and Mengtian modules of the Tiangong space station, the Tianwen-1 Mars probe with Zhurong rover, the Tianwen-2 asteroid mission, and the BeiDou navigation satellite constellation. Supporting infrastructure includes manufacturing and testing complexes in Tianjin (Wentian production), Beijing satellite environment engineering facilities, R&D sites in Shanghai and Xi'an (SAR payload commercialization), and a network of 55 Chinese satellite factories providing aggregate theoretical capacity of ~7,360 satellites annually. The organization operates a dedicated international market directorate with regional coverage across Europe & Asia, Americas & Africa, and MENA & South Asia, and has secured 10+ international commercial contracts for the DFH-4 platform.

Revenue mechanics are anchored in Chinese government space-program procurement, with secondary revenue streams from international satellite exports (DFH-4/DFH-4E), BeiDou-enabled satellite application products (navigation, remote sensing, communication ground systems), spin-off industrial systems (railway safety: THDS, TADS, TODS), space biotechnology products (Hangli Tablets, Coenzyme Q10), and participation in the Guowang/Qianfan low-orbit satellite internet constellation. Listed subsidiaries include China Spacesat (600118) and Beijing Kangtuo Infrared, providing partial capital-market visibility into the broader group. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, consistent with the B2G procurement model.

Name

China Academy of Space Technology

Legal name

China Academy of Space Technology

Website

https://cast.cn

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) is China's primary state-owned spacecraft designer and manufacturer under CASC, developing satellite platforms (DFH-4/DFH-5), Shenzhou crewed spacecraft, the Tiangong space station, BeiDou navigation satellites, and deep space probes for Chinese government agencies and select international commercial customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Spacecraft and Satellite Manufacturing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Space Systems (Defense Spacecraft) (IMABACAC), Space Payloads & Instruments (Sensors, Comms, EO/IR) (IMABACAD), Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal) (IMABACAM), Reentry, Descent & Landing Systems (Capsules, Heat Shields, Parachutes) (IMABACAL)

Keywords

• Satellite manufacturing
• Spacecraft engineering
• Manned spaceflight
• Deep space exploration
• Satellite navigation

Headquarters

HQ city

Haidian

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations

Revenue model

1. Government Space Programs: Primary revenue from contracted development and delivery of space systems to Chinese government space agencies, including satellites, spacecraft, and space station components for national space programs.
2. International Satellite Contracts: Commercial satellite platform exports including DFH-4 platform winning over ten international commercial contracts for communication satellites.
3. Satellite Internet Constellation: Design and manufacture of internet satellites for China's low-orbit satellite internet network (Guowang/Qianfan), deploying satellites in groups with over 130 satellites deployed in the constellation.
4. Satellite Application Systems: Satellite application products including ground systems, remote sensing applications, navigation applications, and communication systems for various industrial and governmental applications.
5. BeiDou Navigation System: BeiDou Navigation Satellite System involving over 400 organizations and 300,000 technical staff, recording total output of 575.8 billion yuan in 2024 with 7.39% year-on-year growth, serving over 200 countries and regions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) designs, manufactures, and integrates satellites, manned spacecraft, space station modules, and deep space probes. Core offerings include the DFH series satellite bus platforms (DFH-4, DFH-4E, DFH-4SP, DFH-5), Shenzhou crewed spacecraft, Tiangong space station components (Tianhe, Wentian, Mengtian), Tianwen Mars probes, and BeiDou navigation satellites, delivered to Chinese government space agencies and international customers.

Product overview

China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) operates as a comprehensive space technology enterprise offering both space systems (宇航产品) and spin-off commercial products (航天技术应用产业). The core space portfolio includes satellite platforms (DFH-4, DFH-4E, DFH-4SP, DFH-5), manned spacecraft (Shenzhou series), space station components (Wentian lab module, Tianhe core module), deep space exploration probes (Tianwen-1 Mars mission), and various satellite applications for telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation. CAST's spin-off products include satellite ground application systems for communication and remote sensing, industrial control systems (PXI5000 series), railway safety monitoring systems (THDS, TADS, TODS), space environment simulation equipment, underwater robots, and space biotechnology products (Coenzyme Q10, Hangli Tablets). The company also produces satellite bus equipment including solar arrays, attitude control systems, propulsion, thermal control, telemetry, power supply, and OBDH subsystems. The product architecture combines space infrastructure development with terrestrial commercial applications derived from aerospace technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DFH-4: Dongfanghong-4 satellite platform - a large communications satellite platform that emerged from a 1990s national initiative to reduce dependence on imported satellites and has won over ten international commercial contracts
• DFH-4E
• DFH-5
• DFH-4SP

Products and services

• DFH-4 (Dongfanghong-4) Satellite Platform Communication satellite platform developed to reduce dependence on imported communications satellites, with over ten international commercial contracts won.
• DFH-4E Satellite Platform Next-generation DFH-4 platform now serving as China's primary commercial satellite platform.
• DFH-4SP Satellite Platform Short platform variant of the DFH-4 satellite bus for smaller satellite missions.
• DFH-5 Satellite Platform Advanced generation large-capacity satellite platform for next-generation telecommunications and broadcasting applications.
• Shenzhou Spacecraft Series China's crewed spacecraft series consisting of return capsule, orbital module, and propulsion module, enabling automatic and manual rendezvous and docking with space stations.
• Wentian Lab Module First lab module of China's Tiangong space station, weighing 23 metric tons and featuring eight scientific cabinets for biological and life science studies, with a five-meter robotic arm.
• Tianwen-1 Mars Probe Mars mission consisting of orbiter, lander, and Zhurong rover, with orbiter acquiring medium-resolution image data covering the entire globe of Mars.
• Navigation Satellite Applications Systems Products including Dual-band differential GNSS Receiver, Satellite Based Augmentation System, Emergency Command & Control System, Vehicle Navigation and Monitoring System, and Caring System for Seniors and Children using Digital Beam Anti-interference Technology.
• Remote Sensing Satellite Applications Systems Complete solutions for military reconnaissance, environment monitoring, surveying and mapping, forest monitoring, precision agriculture, and weather forecast, including fixed and transportable remote sensing data receiving and processing systems.
• Communication Satellite Applications Systems Satellite communication products and integrated solutions including teleport, DTH, VSAT, emergency command communication, and encryption communication systems for public security, fire control, petroleum, and broadcasting sectors.
• Space Environment Simulation Test Equipment Customized space environment simulation test equipment with diameter from 0.4-22m, length 0.4-36m, vacuum levels to 6.5×10⁻⁵ Pa, and shroud temperatures below 100K.
• THDS (Infrared Hotbox Detection System) Non-contact infrared temperature measurement system for detecting bearing axle temperature and hotbox conditions in dynamic monitoring to prevent potential railway accidents.
• TADS (Track-side Acoustic Detection System) Bearing acoustic monitor using beam-forming technology to detect early and advanced bearing defects on rolling stock wheels when trains pass at line speed.
• TODS (Train Object Detection System) System combining high-speed digital cameras and high-performance computers to monitor train security using images from bottom and side of trains at speeds within 0-250 km/h.
• SinoCam Series (Remote Sensing Payloads) Series of remote sensing payloads including PMS (Panchromatic Multispectral Sensor), WPMS (Wide Field Panoramic Multispectral Sensor), WMS (Wide-field Multispectral Sensor), and IR (Infrared) variants for various Earth observation missions.
• Communication Payloads (IMUX/OMUX/Filters) Range of communication payload equipment including C Band, Ku Band, and Ka Band predistortion IMUX, dual-mode cylinder cavity IMUX/OMUX, high power T-type switches, waveguide switches, and HP filters.
• Antenna Systems Various antenna types including Single Shaped Reflector, Dual Grid, Gregorian Shaped Reflector, Ring Focus Reflector, Phase-Array, Ka-Band Phase-Array, Ring Deployable, Horn, and Double Spiral antennas.
• Aerospace Dawn Coenzyme Q10 Vitamin E Soft Capsule Health product manufactured through aerospace carriage using space mutation breeding technology and microbiological fermentation, providing high purity active ingredients with immune-boosting function.
• Tianqu Lipid-balancing Pills Healthcare product combining statin and selenium cultivated through separation and filtration of monascus carried by aircraft, providing blood lipid regulation function.
• Aerospace Dawn Hangli Tablets Bone-protecting agent specially developed for bone loss of astronauts under zero-gravity environment, granted China national patent protection.
• A5-TMCS04 Remote Broadband Centerless Ad Hoc Tactical Communications System Broadband centerless ad hoc tactical communications system for military applications.
• A5-RSS001 Portable Search and Track Radar Portable search and track radar system for tactical applications.

Quantifiable outcome

• DFH-4 platform achieved 15-year operational life for Zhongxing-10 satellite, surpassing original design life
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• AZSPACEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2025Cooperation on Kuaizhou-11 launch mission with DEAR-5 commercial experimental spacecraft developed by AZSPACE carrying 34 experiments from universities and research institutes.
• Beihang UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical collaboration for space debris analysis and risk assessment following Shenzhou-20 window damage incident, with experts mobilized to study cracks and assess risk.
• Beijing University of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical collaboration for space debris analysis and risk assessment following Shenzhou-20 window damage incident.
• University of Science and Technology BeijingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical collaboration for space debris analysis and risk assessment following Shenzhou-20 window damage incident.
• Shanghai Institute of CeramicsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical collaboration for space debris analysis and risk assessment following Shenzhou-20 window damage incident.
• 400+ Organizations in BeiDou EcosystemmajorOthersBeiDou Navigation Satellite System involves over 400 organizations and 300,000 technical staff, with services extending to over 200 countries and regions. Recorded total output of 575.8 billion yuan in 2024.
• Pakistan, Hong Kong, Macau (International Astronaut Programs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChina is opening Tiangong space station to international astronauts from countries including Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Macau, positioning the station as a global laboratory open to all nations.
• Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch CentercoreTechnology or IntegrationLaunch site cooperation for satellite internet constellation deployment, including the 17th group launch bringing total constellation to over 130 satellites.
• Shaanxi University of Science and TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research on compact wide-angle lens design and optimization for large-format mirrorless cameras using modified retrofocus architecture.
• North China University of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research on Adaptive Shortest-Path Network (ASPN) method for GB-InSAR phase unwrapping in long-term deformation monitoring.
• Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research on in-space 3D printing using polymers and fiber-reinforced composites, documenting over 200 parts printed aboard ISS.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Emerging players

• SpaceX: SpaceX designs and manufactures Starlink satellites and Crew Dragon spacecraft and competes with CAST across commercial satellite platforms, low-orbit internet constellations, and crewed spaceflight services, with a fundamentally different cost structure (reusable launch).

Broad incumbents

• Boeing Defense, Space & Security: Boeing builds commercial and military satellites, the Starliner crewed spacecraft, and SLS/space exploration systems. It is comparable to CAST as a legacy aerospace prime with crewed spaceflight and satellite manufacturing capabilities.
• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC): CASC is CAST's direct parent and the largest state-owned aerospace conglomerate in China, covering launch vehicles, missiles, satellites, and space systems; comparable as the overarching incumbent Chinese aerospace prime in which CAST sits as the satellite/spacecraft subsidiary.
• Lockheed Martin Space: Lockheed Martin manufactures U.S. military and commercial satellites, Orion crewed spacecraft, and space exploration systems. It is comparable to CAST as a Western aerospace prime delivering full satellite bus and deep space mission integration.
• Airbus Defence and Space: Airbus builds the Eurostar GEO satellite platform, Orion European Service Module, and ISS/Columbus contributions. It competes with CAST in the international commercial GEO satellite and deep space markets.
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): ISRO is India's national space agency and a direct functional analogue to CAST as a state-backed prime building satellites, crewed spacecraft (Gaganyaan), and lunar/planetary missions — competing for emerging-market satellite contracts.
• China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC): CASIC is China's second state-owned aerospace conglomerate and the closest domestic peer to CASC, building missiles, satellites, and information systems. It competes with CAST's parent for Chinese state space and defense contracts.
• Northrop Grumman Space Systems: Northrop Grumman produces GEO communication satellites, mission extension pods, and the Cygnus cargo spacecraft to ISS. It mirrors CAST's end-to-end civil/commercial space hardware portfolio on the Western side.

Direct peers

• Maxar Technologies: Maxar builds high-resolution Earth observation satellites and platforms (WorldView, Legion) and is comparable to CAST's Gaofen/Yaogan/remote sensing satellite franchise as a commercial + government Earth observation prime.
• Thales Alenia Space: Thales Alenia Space is a leading manufacturer of GEO communication satellites, navigation payloads (Galileo), and space station modules. It directly competes with CAST for international satellite platform contracts, including BeiDou-style GNSS payload work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat1 record

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about China Academy of Space Technology