China Aerospace Science And Technology Corporation - Aerospace Science And Technology

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. It is state-owned and has a number of subordinate entities which design, develop and manufacture a range of spacecraft, launch vehicles, strategic and tactical missile systems, and ground equipment. It was officially established in July 1999 as part of a Chinese government reform drive, having previously been one part of the former China Aerospace Corporation. Various incarnations of the program date back to 1956.

Along with space and defence manufacture, CASC also produces a number of high-end civilian products such as machinery, chemicals, communications equipment, transportation equipment, computers, medical care products and environmental protection equipment. CASC provides commercial launch services to the international market and is one of the world's most advanced organizations in the development and deployment of high energy propellant technology, strap-on boosters, and launching multiple satellites atop a single rocket. By the end of 2013, the corporation has registered capital of CNï¿¥294.02 billion and employs 170,000 people.

Subordinate entities

R&D and Production Complexes

• China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT)
• Academy of Aerospace solid Propulsion Technology (AASPT)
• China Academy of Space Technology (CAST)
• Academy of Aerospace Liquid Propulsion Technology (AALPT)
• Sichuan Academy of Aerospace Technology (SAAT)
• Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST)
• China Academy of Aerospace Electronics Technology (CAAET)
• China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA)

Specialized Companies

• China Satellite Communications Corporation
• China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC)
• China Aerospace Engineering Consultation Center
• China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application
• Aerospace Science & Technology France Co, Ltd.
• Aerospace Capital Holding Co, Ltd.
• China Aerospace Times Electronics Corporation
• China Aerospace International Holdings, Ltd. (中国航天国际控股有限公司)
• Beijing Shenzhou Aerospace Software Technology Co, Ltd.
• Shenzhen Academy of Aerospace Technology
• Aerospace Long-March International Trade Co, Ltd.
• China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology Co, Ltd

Directly Subordinated Units

The "directly subordinated units" of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation are:

• China Astronautics Standards Institute
• China Astronautics Publishing House
• Space Archives
• Aerospace Communication Center
• China Space News
• Chinese Society of Astronautics
• Aerospace Talent Development & Exchange Center
• Aerospace Printing Office

Development work

In October 2013, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation announced that it had completed a first ignition test on a new LOX/Liquid methane rocket engine. No engine size was provided.

Earth Imaging Effort

On December 28, 2016 the company launched Superview 1A and 1B aboard a LongMarch 2D rocket, two Earth imaging satellites equipped with 0.5 meter optical resolution. These satellites were described at the time as the first of an eventual 24-satellite constellation composed of 16 optical satellites, 4 high-resolution optical satellites, and 4 radar imaging satellites. The company initially planned to launch the satellites at a rate of 2 per year, with completion scheduled for 2022. The company planned to compete with international providers to sell imagery to both government and commercial customers.