In this piece, we will take a look at the five most advanced countries in space technology. For more countries, head on over to 12 Most Advanced Countries in Space Technology.
5. Japan
Number of Objects Launched as of 2021: 300
Japan is an Asian country that is one of the largest economies in the world and one of the biggest contributors to the United Nations. It is also a great power, and one that has made large strides in global astronautics despite having one of the youngest national astronautics agencies. Japan’s space agency is called the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and it was set up in 2003. However, Japan’s space program is one of the oldest in the world, and traces its roots back to the 1950s. Japan is also one of the few countries in the world with a launch vehicle program, and its astronauts have made regular trips to the International Space Station (ISS) on all human rated launch vehicles in modern history — the Space Shuttle, Russia’s Soyuz, and SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.
4. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Number of Objects Launched as of 2021: 515
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a European country that has spearheaded some of the most crucial inventions of the modern day, such as the jet engine and the automobile. Its space agency is called the United Kingdom Space Agency. Britain’s space agency was valued at £16.5 billion in 2020, and earned most of its revenues (32%) from exports, earning crucial foreign exchange for the country that often runs current account deficits. The U.K. also has a host of satellite companies, such as OneWeb, which operates communications satellites in polar orbits.
3. People’s Republic of China
Number of Objects Launched as of 2021: 731
The People’s Republic of China is the second largest economy in the world, and has risen spectacularly in astronautics especially due to the size of its economy. China is one of the three countries in the world that have sent astronauts into space on its own, and the only country that operates a space station on its own. Its space station is the youngest in the world and opened doors to astronauts in 2021. China also has a launch vehicle program, and it regularly launches satellites and other objects from multiple spaceports located in the Eastern half of the country. Additionally, it is building new spaceports closer to the sea.
2. Russian Federation
Number of Objects Launched as of 2021: 3,611
The Russian Federation is a transcontinental country with one of the oldest space programs in the world. Russia was the first country to send a satellite into orbit, a human into space, and a vehicle to the Moon. Additionally, it also operates the oldest crewed launch vehicle system in the world, called Soyuz. Russia also helped develop and helps operate the International Space Station (ISS). The country has six rockets under its wing, and these can serve a variety of orbits such as sun synchronous orbit (SSO) and trans lunar injection (TRO) orbit.
1. United States of America
Number of Objects Launched as of 2021: 5,534
The United States of America is arguably the most advanced space faring nation in the world. Its space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is the first agency to put astronauts on the Moon, and currently, it operates the world’s largest rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS). NASA is pursuing the Artemis program right now, through which it plans to return humans to the Moon. The first mission of the program, Artemis 1, was launched in November 2022 and splashed down the next month. NASA’s first crewed launch to the Moon is slated for 2024, and the Artemis program supports close to 4,000 companies all over America.
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