China Academy of Space Technology

The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) is a pivotal organization in China's space exploration endeavors. It is recognized for its leadership in critical areas such as space debris research and the development of China's planetary defense capabilities, including a planned asteroid defense mission. Recently, the passing of Gong Zizheng, a key figure in these initiatives and a pioneer in space debris research, was reported. CAST is also at the forefront of lunar exploration, with researchers conceptualizing the use of robot dogs to patrol and assist astronauts at future lunar research stations. This highlights CAST's ongoing commitment to advancing China's presence and capabilities in space, from planetary defense to deep space exploration and scientific research on celestial bodies like the Moon.