CNSA

China National Space Administration (CNSA) is the national space agency of the People's Republic of China, responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing civil space activities. Established in 1993 by the State Council, CNSA operates under the central government and works with domestic research institutions and industry. Its headquarters are in Beijing.

Mandate and activities: CNSA develops and manages China’s space program, including launch vehicles, satellite systems, and space science missions. It oversees manned spaceflight, robotic lunar and planetary exploration, Earth observation, and satellite navigation (BeiDou). The agency coordinates program funding, project management, and international cooperation, partnering with state-owned contractors and research organizations to carry out missions.

Major programs and achievements: CNSA has led the Shenzhou crewed spacecraft program, contributed to the Moon exploration program (Chang’e), and conducted the Tianwen Mars mission. It operates the Tiangong space station, with in-orbit assembly beginning in 2021. In addition, CNSA completed the BeiDou global navigation system and supports a broad portfolio of satellite and deep-space missions.

International cooperation: CNSA pursues bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other space agencies, universities, and international organizations. Agreements cover scientific data sharing, joint missions, and launch services, within China’s policy and regulatory framework.

Organization and governance: CNSA answers to the State Council and coordinates civil space activities with national science and technology priorities. It works with state-owned aerospace companies responsible for launcher and spacecraft development and reports on national space goals and milestones as part of China’s broader science and technology strategy.