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· deep dive · 2 min read

Theodore Kruczek

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.

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.

Satellites by Country

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

Theodore Kruczek

Theodore 'TK' Kruczek is a radar analyst and former Air Force Major specializing in Space Operations. He is passionate about open-source projects, coding, craft beer, and writing. TK is the creator of KeepTrack.Space and has developed tools like the Orbital Object Toolkit and SignalRange.

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