The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology

What The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology does

The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT, 中国运载火箭技术研究院) is a central state-owned enterprise founded on November 16, 1957 and subordinate to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It operates as China's largest and oldest research, development, and production base for missile weapon systems and launch vehicles, employing approximately 31,000 people across 11 government-affiliated institutions, 3 budget enterprises, 5 wholly-owned companies, and 9 holding companies (including 2 listed entities). CALT serves as the primary contractor for Chinese national space programs — manned spaceflight (Shenzhou/Tiangong), lunar exploration (Chang'e/Tianwen), Mars exploration, Beidou navigation, and space station construction — while also delivering strategic missile weapons for national defense. The organization originated with Qian Xuesen as its first president and is recognized as the birthplace of Chinese aerospace.

CALT's product portfolio centers on the Long March rocket family, spanning the Long March 2 series (including the 2F manned launch vehicle branded "Shenjian"/Divine Arrow), the Long March 3 series (Gold Medal Rockets for GEO satellite missions including Beidou), the Long March 5 heavy-lift series, the Long March 7 series (Tianzhou cargo resupply missions), the Long March 8 series (satellite constellation deployment), the Long March 10 next-generation reusable rocket, and the Long March 11 solid-fuel rocket. Commercial offerings include the Jielong solid-fuel series for small satellite constellations, upper stage modules (Yuanzheng series), and the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft which achieves a world-leading 53% cargo-to-weight ratio. Underlying the product line is a proprietary AI/software stack including the Tianqiong collaborative design platform, Tianji trajectory simulation software, Bianque real-time flight fault diagnosis system, intelligent rocket control systems, and the Juesheng Qianli intelligent R&D platform. R&D infrastructure spans multiple sites in Beijing (Fengtai and Haidian districts, plus the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Zone), Tianjin, Changzhi (Shanxi), Tai'an (Shandong), and Dalian, with total assets of approximately 147.3 billion RMB as of end-2023.

CALT generates revenue almost entirely through direct government contracting for national space and defense programs, with commercial launch services growing as a secondary stream. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is negotiated on a mission-by-mission basis. Notable commercial and quasi-commercial activity in 2025-2026 includes launches for the Qianfan (Thousand Sails) low-earth orbit satellite internet constellation (multiple batches), international customer launches for Algeria under the Belt and Road program, and rideshare missions via the Jielong-3 commercial vehicle. The Long March rocket series has accumulated over 653 successful flights as of June 2026, with 2025 marking a record 44 launch missions in a single year. There is no traditional commercial go-to-market motion; customer engagement is conducted through direct government channels and participation in international aerospace exhibitions.

Name

The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology

Legal name

中国运载火箭技术研究院

Website

https://calt.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) is China's largest state-owned launch vehicle and missile developer under CASC, producing the Long March rocket family and Tianzhou spacecraft for national space, defense, and commercial satellite launch programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Launch Vehicle Manufacturing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Launch Vehicles & Orbital Rockets (IMABACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spacecraft & Satellites (Civil/Commercial) (IMABACAB), Spacecraft Propulsion (In-Space) & Thrusters (IMABACAE), Guided Missile & Rocket Manufacturing (IMABAHAA), Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF)

Keywords

• Launch vehicle manufacturing
• Rocket engineering
• Space launch services
• Aerospace propulsion
• Missile defense systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Beijing

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Government Space Program Contracts: State-funded contracts for national space programs including manned spaceflight, lunar exploration (嫦娥), Mars exploration (天问), Beidou navigation system, and space station construction. Also includes missile weapon systems for national defense.
2. Commercial Launch Services: Providing launch services for satellites and constellations including Thousand Sails (千帆星座) and Guowang satellite internet programs, as well as international customers for One Belt One Road countries.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) (中国运载火箭技术研究院) is China's oldest and largest missile weapon and launch vehicle research, development, and production base. Founded in 1957, the organization designs, develops, manufactures, and launches the Long March series of rockets and related aerospace systems for Chinese government space programs, satellite deployments, and defense applications. It operates as a state-owned enterprise under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and is headquartered in Beijing, China, with approximately 31,000 employees.

Product overview

The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) is China's largest missile weapon and launch vehicle research, design, and production base. The product portfolio centers on the Long March rocket family comprising multiple series: Long March 2 (crewed Long March 2F and Long March 2C), Long March 3 series (Gold Medal Rockets for GEO), Long March 5 series (heavy lift), Long March 7 series (cargo/space station), Long March 8 series (constellation deployment with Long March 8A featuring new hydrogen-oxygen upper stage), Long March 10 (next-gen reusable for lunar missions), and Long March 11 (solid fuel rapid response). Commercial offerings include the Jielong series rockets and upper stage modules. Supporting AI-enabled subsystems include the Tianqiong collaborative design platform, Tianji simulation software, Bianque fault diagnosis system, and intelligent measurement systems. Applications extend to aerospace technology services including special vehicles, intelligent equipment, and energy conservation/environmental protection.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 长征系列火箭 (Long March Series Rockets): Family of launch vehicles including Long March 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 series
• 神箭 (Shenjian)
• 金牌火箭 (Gold Medal Rocket)
• 捷龙系列火箭 (Jielong Series Rockets)

Products and services

• Long March Rocket Series Family of expendable launch vehicles developed for satellite deployment, crewed spaceflight, lunar exploration, and deep space missions for Chinese government and state-owned satellite operators.
• Jielong (Smart Dragon) Rockets Small-lift launch vehicle series developed for commercial small satellite launches.
• Missile Weapon Systems Strategic and tactical missile weapon systems produced for the People's Liberation Army and Chinese defense customers.
• Spacecraft Systems (including Tianzhou) Spacecraft and on-orbit platforms including cargo resupply vehicles and experimental spacecraft for Chinese space station operations and scientific missions.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 653 successful Long March rocket launches with world-class reliability
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability22 records

Feature7 records

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Market position

Strengths5 records

Competitive moat7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/china-academy-of-launch-vehicle-technology-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology