The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) (Chinese: 中国空间技术研究院; pinyin: Zhōngguó Kōngjiān Jìshù Yánjiūyuàn) is a Chinese space agency and subordinate of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The agency was founded on 20 February 1968, and is the main spacecraft development and production facility in China. On 24 April 1970, CAST successfully launched China's first artificial satellite Dong Fang Hong I.
CAST is the majority shareholder of listed company China Spacesat. On 30 June 2020, CAST owns 51.46% of China Spacesat Co.[3] In August 2020, the United States Department of Defense published the names of companies linked to the People's Liberation Army operating directly or indirectly in the United States. China Spacesat Co. was included on the list.[4] In November 2020, Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting any American company or individual from owning shares in companies that the United States Department of Defense has listed as having links to the People's Liberation Army, which included China Spacesat.[5][6]
