The National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Science
(NAOC), has started building the largest antenna in the world. Known as
FAST, the Five-hundredmeter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope is a
Chinese mega-science project funded by the National Development and
Reform Commission (NDRC). FAST also represents part of Chinese
contribution to the international efforts to build the square kilometer
array (SKA). Upon its finishing around September of 2016, FAST will
be the most sensitive single-dish radio telescope in the low frequency
radio bands between 70 MHz and 3 GHz. I will review the design
specifications of FAST, its expected capabilities, and its main scientific
aspirations. In anticipation of the likely limitations at the initial stages of
operation, I will also discuss the considerations and opportunities for
astronomical discoveries in the "early science" phase of FAST.