SAST is one of seven design academies under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Established in 1961, it competes with both CAST and CALT. SAST employs 20,000 people in 40 research institutes and 11 factories which develop and produce rockets and satellites.

SAST conducts research, development, and manufacture of tactical air defense missiles, carrier rockets, and satellites. It originally developed China's FB-1 space launch vehicle (SLV), which was abandoned in favor of the Chang Zheng (Long March) series. It developed the CZ-1, 2, and 3 SLVs. SAST produces first and second stage engines and guidance systems for the CZ-2, CZ-3, and CZ-4. It produces guidance systems for all CZ-series SLVs. SAST also supplies the first two stages of the LM-2, LM-3, and LM-4 and Fengyun meteorological satellites. It manufactures the CZ-4 SLV, and is reportedly responsible for the entire CZ-4 SLV. It also produces the FN-6 single soldier portable air defense missile system, the LY-60 missile system, and the FY-1 and FY-2 weather satellites. SAST is capable of producing parts for the DF-5 missile.

SAST is one of the main designers of the Shenzhou series of space vehicles and the Fengyun meteorological satellites.

SAST was sanctioned in August 1993 as a subsidiary of CASC by the United States for Chinese missile-related sales to Pakistan.

Institutes under SAST include:

•     "809th Research Institute" - Launch vehicle and tactical weapons computer automation launch control systems design and satellite control computers. Established in 1979.
•     Shanghai Institute of Electromechanical Engineering, "8th Design Department" - 478 personnel; Director: Jin Zhuanglong.
•     Shanghai Institute of Electromechanical Equipment
•     Shanghai Institute of Electronic Communications
•     Shanghai Institute of Mechanical Engineering
•     Shanghai Institute of Power Machinery
•     Shanghai Institute of Precision Instruments - Guidance systems.
•     Shanghai Institute of Radio Equipment - SAM guidance and fuses.
•     Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering, "509th Research Institute" - SAST's key unit for satellite systems engineering and environmental testing. Primary products include FY-1 and FY-2 satellites. More than 600 personnel; established in 1969; Director: Lu Zili.
•     Shanghai Institute of Space Electronics Equipment
•     Shanghai Institute of Space Power Equipment
•     Shanghai Instruments Plant
•     Shanghai Xinfeng Chemical Engineering Institute - Propellant technology.
•     Shanghai Xinjiang Machine Factory
•     Shanghai Xinli Institute of Space Power Equipment - Engines and motors.
•     Shanghai Xinxin Machine Factory

[Sources: Major Mark A. Stokes, China's Strategic Modernization: Implications for US National Security, October 1997, Appendix One; Air and Cosmos (Paris), 25 October 1996, in FBIS-CST-96-020, 25 October 1996; Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume 5, p. 340; "Overview of CASC and its Institutes," Beijing Zhongguo Hangtian [Chinese], 1 October 2002.]