China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)

The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST, 中国空间技术研究院) is China's primary satellite design and manufacturing institution, established in 1968 as a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). CAST is responsible for the design, integration, and testing of the vast majority of Chinese civil and commercial satellites.

CAST designs and manufactures the DFH (Dongfanghong) series of geostationary telecommunications satellites, which form the backbone of China's domestic satellite communications infrastructure. The DFH-4 and DFH-5 satellite platforms are offered commercially for international customers, competing with European and American GEO satellite buses.

For Earth observation, CAST develops the Ziyuan (ZY), Gaofen (GF), and Yaogan series satellites, providing high-resolution optical and SAR imagery for civil and government applications. CAST also produces the Tiangong series for China's space station program and scientific spacecraft including the Tianwen-1 Mars mission.

With over 200 spacecraft developed and launched, CAST is one of the world's most prolific satellite manufacturers, serving Chinese state operators as well as international customers through CASC's commercial satellite business arm.