SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology)

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), also known as the Eighth Research Institute of CASC, is a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) headquartered in Minhang District, Shanghai. Founded on August 1, 1961, SAST employs over 19,700 people across 21 affiliated companies and is one of China main developers of launch vehicles, meteorological satellites, and space station systems.

SAST is responsible for the entire Long March 4 family (CZ-4A/4B/4C) and Long March 6/12 rockets, as well as the Fengyun (FY) weather satellite series — China primary operational meteorological constellation used for weather forecasting. SAST also develops Tianzhou cargo spacecraft that resupply China Tiangong space station, and produces key subsystems for the station core modules. In the Earth observation domain, SAST contributes to the Gaofen, Yaogan, and Haiyang satellite series.

In recent years, SAST has expanded into commercial satellite constellations, leading development of the Qianfan (Thousand Sails) broadband LEO constellation targeting global internet connectivity. SAST Chang Er 5 lunar ascent vehicle successfully lifted lunar samples from the Moon surface in 2020. With decades of heritage across military, civilian, and commercial space programmes, SAST remains one of the most prolific satellite and launch vehicle manufacturers in the world.