10 Countries with Space presence

United States of America

US accounts for approximately one-third of the operational spacecraft. The nation launched its 1^st 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 1^st country to have ever launched a space mission in 1957. The country now operates the 3^rd 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.

Also Read:China to Launch New Marine Surveillance Satellites HY-3 by 2019

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 1^st satellite Ariel 1 in 1962, making it the 3^rd 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 1^st satellite Osumi in February 1970. It currently operates a fleet of communications, meteorological, earth observation and astronomical observation satellites.

Must read: PSLV-C20 Puts Seven Satellites In Orbit 

Canada

Canada launched its 1^st 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.

Also Read: India Launches 6th IRNSS Satellite & All You Need to Know