CAS Space Company Profile – China’s Emerging Commercial Launch Provider

CAS Space (also known as Zhongke Aerospace) is a rising force in China’s fast-growing commercial space sector. Founded in 2018, the company is a commercial spin-off of the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), which provides a strong scientific and technological foundation. CAS Space is headquartered in Beijing, China, and focuses on developing solid-fueled and liquid-fueled launch vehicles for the deployment of small to medium-sized satellites.

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🚀 Company Overview

• Full Name: CAS Space (Zhongke Aerospace)
• Founded: 2018
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Parent Organization: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)
• Focus: Development and operation of launch vehicles for commercial and governmental satellite missions.

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🧭 Mission and Vision

CAS Space aims to advance China’s access to space through low-cost, reliable, and high-frequency launch services. The company is positioning itself as a leader in the commercial space launch market, with both domestic and international customers in mind.

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🛰️ Key Milestones and Notable Launches

1. Lijian-1 Y1 (ZK-1A) Maiden Flight – July 27, 2022

• Launch Site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China
• Highlights: Successfully launched 6 satellites, marking the first flight of CAS Space’s Lijian-1 solid rocket. This demonstrated China’s largest solid-fueled launch vehicle at the time, capable of delivering 1,500 kg to Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

2. Lijian-1 Y2 Mission – June 7, 2023

• Launch Site: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
• Highlights: Deployed a record-setting 26 satellites in one launch, showcasing CAS Space’s capability in high-volume rideshare deployment. Payloads included tech demonstrators, remote sensing satellites, and commercial payloads like Fucheng-1 and Shiyan-24A/B.

3. Development of Reusable Launch Vehicles

• CAS Space has revealed concepts for reusable rockets, aiming to compete with global players like SpaceX. Its future launch vehicles are planned to feature vertical landing technology, aimed at increasing cost-efficiency and launch turnaround.

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🌐 Strategic Role in China’s Commercial Space Industry

CAS Space benefits from its close relationship with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, giving it access to cutting-edge scientific research, talent, and funding. The company plays a key role in:

• Supporting Earth observation, communications, and technology demonstration missions
• Providing launch services for government and private institutions
• Advancing China’s national space strategy through innovation and commercialization

CAS Space has quickly established itself as a competitive player in the Asian commercial space sector, offering reliable and affordable launch solutions with growing international interest. With multiple successful launches and new rockets under development, CAS Space is one of the Chinese companies to watch in the emerging commercial space race.

Rideshare missions by CAS Space

Rideshare Mission	Launch date	Launch vehicle	Spacecraft launched	Orbit
CAS Lijian-1 Y10 / Tianyan-26	19 August 2025	Lijian-1 (Kinetica-1)	7	LEO
CAS Lijian-1 Y5	11 November 2024	Lijian-1 (Kinetica-1)	15	SSO
CAS Lijian-1 Y4	24 September 2024	Lijian-1 (Kinetica-1)	5	SSO
CAS Lijian-1 Y2	7 June 2023	Lijian-1 (Kinetica-1)	7	SSO
CAS Lijian-1 Y1	27 July 2022	Lijian-1 (Kinetica-1)	6	SSO