United States of America
US accounts for approximately one-third of the operational spacecraft. The nation launched its 1st satellite in 1958 and currently operates a large fleet of communications, weather, missile detection, technology, navigation and surveillance satellites. The Apollo – moon landing missions, Space shuttle, International Space Station (ISS) are some of the cornerstones of the nations space programme.
Russia
Russia was the 1st country to have ever launched a space mission in 1957. The country now operates the 3rd largest fleet of spacecraft including communications, meteorological and reconnaissance satellites. Projects include Soyuz manned spacecraft Salyut 1 space station and Lunokhod 1 space rover.
China
China owns and manages the second largest fleet of spacecraft in orbit, currently operating several constellations of navigations satellites, remote sensing satellites, communication satellites etc. Major missions include the Tiangong-1 space station, Shenzhou manned space flight programme and the Chinese Lunar Exploration programme.
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France
The European Space Agency, established in 1975, based in Paris, France, includes human spaceflight and other unmanned exploration missions to other planets. The country will be launching a new space balloon with a budget of $ 10 million for the construction and the flight itself.
India
India has launched more than 80 spacecraft since its maiden satellite launch in 1975. The nation’s space research activities are controlled by state-owned Indian Space research Organization (ISRO). India currently operates INSAT and GSAT series communication satellites, earth observation satellites and IRNSS series navigation satellites.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom had launched its 1st satellite Ariel 1 in 1962, making it the 3rd nation after USSR and US to launch artificial satellite into orbit. It presently operates large number of satellite including civil and military communication satellites, earth observation satellites and exploration spacecraft.
Japan
Japan is one of Asia’s largest countries in terms of space flights and missions. Japan launched its 1st satellite Osumi in February 1970. It currently operates a fleet of communications, meteorological, earth observation and astronomical observation satellites.
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Canada
Canada launched its 1st satellite Alouette 1 in 1962. It currently operates a fleet of RADARSAT and SCISAT earth observation satellites. The Canadian Space Programme is controlled by the Canadian Space Agency.
Germany
The successful launch of Azur satellite in 1969 demonstrated Germany’s space-faring capabilities to the world. Germany have launched several spacecraft including telecommunications, navigation and earth observation satellites and are involved in the core missions such as Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and its moons, European Space Laboratory Columbus.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg operates large number of communications and remote sensing satellites. It is one of the Member States of ESA and carries space research activities under its National Action Plan for Space Research and Development. The Luxembourg Space Cluster unites highly specialized companies and government research agencies focusing on space telecommunications, global navigation satellite system, earth observation etc.
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