· deep dive · 1 min read
Who Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
Uncover the top companies dominating the satellite industry. From SpaceX to One Web, learn who's leading in space assets. Full list inside.
How Many Satellites Are in Orbit?
As of the end of 2023, there are over 25,000 satellites orbiting our planet. These satellites serve a myriad of purposes including communication, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research, among others.
Which Country Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
The USA leads the count with a staggering 11,655 satellites in orbit. This figure highlights the nation’s significant investment and dedication to space technologies and programs. The rapid commercialization of space, fueled by the private sector, further boosts this number.
Top 30 Countries with the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth:
| Rank | Country/Organization | Number of Satellites |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 11,655 |
| 2 | Russia | 7,187 |
| 3 | China | 5,330 |
| 4 | UK | 735 |
| 5 | France | 604 |
| 6 | Japan | 294 |
| 7 | India | 218 |
| 8 | Canada | 105 |
| 9 | ESA | 102 |
| 10 | Germany | 80 |
| 11 | Luxembourg | 68 |
| 12 | Italy | 57 |
| 13 | South Korea | 48 |
| 14 | Australia | 44 |
| 15 | Israel | 40 |
| 16 | New Zealand | 38 |
| 17 | Uruguay | 37 |
| 18 | Spain | 35 |
| 19 | EU | 31 |
| 20 | Brazil | 31 |
| 21 | Finland | 26 |
| 22 | Singapore | 25 |
| 23 | Turkey | 23 |
| 24 | EUMETSAT | 22 |
| 25 | Taiwan | 18 |
| 26 | Switzerland | 18 |
| 27 | Indonesia | 18 |
| 28 | UAE | 17 |
| 29 | Saudi Arabia | 17 |
| 30 | Sweden | 15 |
How Many Countries Have At least One Satellite?
From the data provided, 88 countries possess at least one satellite in orbit.
What Company Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
Leading on the organizational side, SpaceX, headquartered in Hawthorne, California, boasts an impressive 4,872 satellites. This showcases the firm’s bold vision to reshape space technology and herald an age of enhanced worldwide connectivity.
Top 10 Organizations with the Most Satellites:
| Rank | Organization | Number of Satellites |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpaceX | 4,872 |
| 2 | China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation | 3,203 |
| 3 | NASA | 1,619 |
| 4 | Strategic Rocket Forces, Russia | 1,363 |
| 5 | Russian Space Forces | 1,310 |
| 6 | China National Space Administration | 1,257 |
| 7 | Main Directorate of Space Assets, Russia | 837 |
| 8 | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) | 593 |
| 9 | US Space Force Space Systems Command | 583 |
| 10 | One Web | 524 |
