SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology)

SAST (Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, 上海航天技术研究院) is a major Chinese state-owned space research and manufacturing organisation based in Shanghai, operating as a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), responsible for developing and producing Long March family launch vehicles (Long March 2C, Long March 4B/4C, Long March 6, Long March 6A), spacecraft, and space payloads for China's national space programme. SAST is one of China's most prolific satellite and launch vehicle manufacturers, having developed China's Earth observation satellite series (YaoGan, HuanJing, GaoFen), the Chang'e lunar exploration spacecraft systems (in partnership), weather satellites (FengYun-3), and ocean monitoring satellites, with accumulated experience in satellite platforms, propulsion systems, structures, and ground support equipment. As a key pillar of China's space industrial base, SAST serves China's civil and military space programmes across Earth observation, meteorology, communication, scientific research, and national defence mission categories.