Polaris Intelligence
Polaris
Intelligence
About
Ctrl K
Sign in
© Polaris Intelligence 2026
PrivacyTermsAdmin

Shanghai Academy of Space Technology (SAST)

CN

上海航天技术研究院

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), established in 1961, is a major Chinese space organization and a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). SAST designs, develops, and manufactures launch vehicles like the Long March series, as well as various satellites for communication, remote sensing, and other applications. They are also involved in air defense systems and have partnerships with entities like the University of Sheffield and the China Academy of Space Technology. SAST plays a key role in China's space program, including contributions to deep space exploration and the Chinese Space Station.

gov civilFounded 1961
Shanghai, China
www.sast.cn
Admin Edit
0.0-5.0

All verified mentions of this organization in source documents.

China aims to launch about 100 times in 2024, according to CASC, the parent of SAST and China’s main space contractor.

PlanGeneralValue 3.5Jul 12, 2024China’s Long March 6A rocket appears to have an orbital debris problem

SAST envisions Smart Skynet being joined with China’s low Earth orbit communications megaconstellations and geostationary communications satellites to serve all user types and domains.

PlanGeneralValue 3.0May 9, 2024China launches its first medium Earth orbit broadband satellites

Smart Skynet-1 (01) satellites A and B were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology for Shanghai Tsingshen Technology Development Co. Ltd.

RelationshipsCapabilityValue 4.0May 9, 2024China launches its first medium Earth orbit broadband satellites

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology plans to debut a 3.8-meter-diameter Long March 12 later in 2024 from the Wenchang commercial launch site.

PlanGeneralValue 4.0May 7, 2024China launches first Long March 6C rocket

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology plans to debut a 4.0-meter-diameter rocket in the next couple of years that could use methane-liquid oxygen engines developed by a commercial entity.

PlanCapabilityValue 4.0May 7, 2024China launches first Long March 6C rocket

Both Yaogan-42 (02) and its Long March 2D launcher were developed and provided by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

RelationshipsValue 4.2Apr 3, 2024China launches first of a new series of Yaogan reconnaissance satellites

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology plans to launch a new 3.8-meter-diameter Long March 12 vehicle during 2024.

PlanCapabilityGrowthValue 4.0Apr 3, 2024China launches first of a new series of Yaogan reconnaissance satellites

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a manufacturer subordinate to CASC, plans to launch the first Long March 6C later 2024 using the Long March 6A core stage without solid boosters.

PlanRelationshipsCapabilityValue 4.7Mar 27, 2024Long March 6A launches second Yunhai-3 satellite

SAST aims to launch a new 3.8-meter-diameter Long March 12, previously referred to as the 'XLV', in 2024.

PlanCapabilityGrowthValue 4.0Mar 27, 2024Long March 6A launches second Yunhai-3 satellite

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology produces the YZ-3 upper stage and also produces the Long March 2D rocket.

CapabilityValue 4.0Mar 21, 2024China launches second batch of Yunhai-2 satellites

SAST plans to debut the 3.8-meter-diameter Long March 12 later 2024 from a new commercial launch site.

PlanGeneralValue 4.2Mar 5, 2024China to debut large reusable rockets in 2025 and 2026

CASC’s Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) proposed a 4.0-meter-diameter launcher that would be able to launch up to 6,500 kg to 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit and would use engines developed by commercial engine maker Jiuzhou Yunjian.

CapabilityRelationshipsPlanValue 4.5Mar 5, 2024China to debut large reusable rockets in 2025 and 2026

The Long March 12 is an upcoming launcher made by SAST (8th Academy).

PlanCapabilityValue 3.1Feb 29, 2024Drawing of the Long March 12, an upcoming launcher made by the SAST (8th Academy). Its first launch is planned NET June from Hainan ICSLC pad 2. Two official variants are depicted, with 4.2m and 5.2m fairing. A tricore version, appearing in official pictures, is also depicted.

Earlier Chinese satellite internet test satellites launched in 2023 were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) and the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites (IAMCAS) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

GeneralCapabilityValue 3.2Dec 31, 2023Chinese satellite internet mission rounds off record year for global launches

A policy infographic released on 2023-11-23 states that Shanghai’s space transportation plans include the Long March 6C kerolox rocket developed by state-owned SAST.

PlanGeneralValue 2.0Nov 30, 2023Shanghai to foster commercial space ecosystem

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology provided the Long March 2D launcher for the Yunhai-1 (04) mission and developed the Yunhai-1 (04) satellite.

RelationshipsValue 4.7Oct 15, 2023China launches new Yunhai remote sensing satellite

China’s Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) launched a CZ-2D at 1050 UTC on 2023-03-30 placing four radar satellites into a 497 x 512 km, 97.4° inclination sun-synchronous orbit with 18:00 LTDN.

PlanCapabilityValue 5.0Mar 31, 2023China launches 4 InSAR satellites and new Yaogan reconnaissance sat

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology uses a platform for the mission designed to provide low-cost, miniaturized, lightweight, and high-functional-density satellites.

CapabilityGeneralValue 3.0Mar 15, 2023China launches classified Shiyan-19 test satellite from the Gobi Desert

Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a subsidiary of CASC, developed the Shijian-23 satellite.

CapabilityRelationshipsValue 4.0Jan 9, 2023Pair of Chinese launches put classified and commercial satellites into orbit

SAST is evaluating a second-generation fully reusable methane rocket concept intended to deliver 100,000 kg to low Earth orbit with a 9–10 m diameter.

CapabilityPlanValue 4.0Sep 18, 2022Shanghai rocket maker considering developing huge methane-fueled rockets
Page7of9
Track