Lanzhou Institute of Physics (LIP)

Lanzhou Institute of Physics (LIP) of China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) (the external name: Lanzhou Academy of Space Technology), is established in 1962 and located in Lanzhou, Gansu province of China. It is formerly known as Lanzhou institute of physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, which is the earliest research institute major in the vacuum science and technology. Now LIP belongs to CAST and is one of the first centers  engaged in the spacecraft R&D (research and development) in China, and has played a  important role in Chinese aerospace technology area. LIP has may  key space products such as space electric propulsion system, space science exploration payload, high-performance atomic clock, surface engineering products, DC-DC power supply products, aerospace pressure vessel products, and aerospace mechanical and electrical products etc. LIP has supplied variety of key products to more than 100 Chinese spacecraft and by far has been keeping the record of 100% flight success rate. In a word, LIP has made an outstanding contribution to Chinese space industry. In the year of 2021, LIP achieved operating revenue of nearly ￥2.1 billion Yuan and profit of ￥210 million Yuan, showing an overall trend of high-quality development.

Depending on LIP’s research experience and achievement in space science domain, National Vacuum Technology and Physical Key Laboratory, Ministry of Science and Technology Vacuum Metrology and International Joint Research Center for Applied Technology are established. Over the last 50 years, LIP have consistently and deeply involved in Chinese innovation-driven academic project including ‘973 Program’, the Outstanding Youth Fund and many other frontier basic research subjects. During this process, LIP has made a series of original space engineering achievements such as LIPS series electric propulsion system, high precision space electric field detectors and Mars particle energy analyzer and so on. Among these research outputs there are a number of technology filling the domestic blank.

Currently , LIP has nearly 1800 employees in the central institute and affiliated companies, including 1 academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, 58 high-level innovative talents represented by national academic and technology leader, experts and researchers who are receiving special government allowance. Since its foundation, LIP has been rewarded more than 300 items if significant scientific research achievements, including 15 time national science and technology awards and 218 items of formulated standards at all levels. Besides, LIP has published many influential books such as the 1st edition of  "Vacuum Design Manual", "China Star Ship Material Space Effect Data Handbook", "Vacuum Science and Technology" series and issued  "Vacuum and Low Temperature" core journal, which persistently prompted steady progress on the vacuum science and technology in China.

In recent years, LIP catches the opportunity of civil-military industry development, ushered in another fast development period. Aiming the strategic target of "building a world-class technical institute of space physics, and a world-class vacuum enterprise", LIP will develop on the way of "high quality, high efficiency, and high benefit" courageously.