The State of Launch
US-China dominance, Russia's fade, and launch statistics from Sputnik to Starship
68 years ago, the first orbital launch marked the beginning of the Space Age. Since then, there have been 6,653 orbital rocket launches, putting 624 humans in orbit, 12 of whom have visited a celestial body – all of them the moon, all American, and all between 1969 and 1972.
The death of leading rocket scientists, civil unrest, and a cooling Cold War that discouraged spending and reduced missile production. These factors contributed to the short-sightedness of the Nixon space doctrine, which shaped NASA policy for the next 40 years, and led to humans not venturing beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
But times are changing.
While Russia and Europe’s space programs continue to decline rapidly, those of China and the USA have grown exponentially. In 2021, orbital launch reached a new high for the first time since 1967, and has continued to break that record every year since.
For any country without a robust military (specifically a missile program), the specialized supply chain, talent pool, and funding required for orbital launch simply does not exist. As of 2025, 12 countries and 1 inter-governmental organization (ESA) have achieved orbital launch.
To understand where space exploration is going, we must first examine what has brought us to this point. The purpose of this article is to provide a bird's-eye view of historical launch statistics. I’ve compiled every launch program in history, grouped by the country and organization responsible, and highlighted relevant facts. Enjoy!
Note: A few sections are number-heavy. Feel free to skim through.
Common terms:
Orbits
Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO): < 450 km
Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 160 to 2,000 km
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): 2,000 to 35,786 km
Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO): 35,786 km
High Earth Orbit (HEO): > 35,786 km
Mass to orbit
Small-lift: < 2,000 kg
Medium-lift: 2,000 to 20,000 kg
Heavy-lift: 20,000 to 50,000 kg
Super-heavy lift: > 50,000 kg
Orbital vs. Suborbital
Space Boundary – Altitude where drag is negligible. The 100 km “Kármán line” is the FAI standard.
Suborbital – Ballistic arc to space, peaks above 100 km, falls back. Only requires ~2% of orbital energy.
Orbital – Closed trajectory around Earth, in sustained freefall above ~160 km to minimize drag.
Other
Sounding Rocket – a.k.a “research rocket”, a rocket that launches scientific instruments to suborbital altitudes.
USA
The USA's history of leadership in rocket launches has seen a period of Soviet dominance, followed by decades of American leadership, a brief period where China led between 2018 and 2022, and a recent return to US dominance.
Today, the United States is responsible for over 60% of reported global launches by count, nearly 90% by mass, and over 40% by revenue.
SpaceX
Falcon 1 (retired 2009): 5 launches (3 failures)
Falcon 9: 540 launches (3 failures)
Falcon Heavy: 11 launches
Starship (in-test): 10 launches (5 failed to achieve all major test objectives)
Today, SpaceX is responsible for over 50% of the world’s launches by count, and nearly 90% of the world’s reported launch volume (approximately 1.5 million kg to orbit in 2024).
Rocket Lab
Electron: 70 launches (4 failures)
HASTE: 3 launches
Neutron: In development
While its launch cadence is remarkable, Electron is an ultra-small lift vehicle capable of 300 kg to LEO (compared to Falcon 9’s 18,500 kg to 22,800 kg). Neutron is targeting 13,000 kg. The company went public on the NASDAQ (RKLB) in 2021.
Blue Origin
New Shepard: 34 launches (1 failure)
New Glenn: 1 launch
New Shepard is a tourism vehicle capable of taking 6 crew members to suborbital heights. New Glenn’s maiden flight took place in early 2025 and has yet to achieve any reusability.
Firefly Aerospace
Alpha: 6 launches (4 failures)
Eclipse: In development with Northrop Grumman
Founded in 2014, Firefly restructured from Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2017 and completed its first launch in 2021. They listed on the NASDAQ (FLY) in the third quarter of 2025.
United Launch Alliance
Delta IV (retired 2024): 45 launches
Atlas V (retiring 2026): 106 launches
Vulcan Centaur: 3 launches
Formed in 2006, ULA is a 50/50 consolidation of Boeing and Lockheed Martin’s space launch operations. It has since completed 161 launches with a 100% reported mission success rate, but has yet to achieve any reusability.
Northrop Grumman
Pegasus (retired): 45 launches (5 failures)
Minotaur Family: 30 launches (1 failure)
Antares: 18 launches (1 failure)
Eclipse: In development with Firefly Aerospace
Northrup’s Pegasus was the world's first privately developed launch vehicle to reach orbit. The corporation’s main customers are entities of the U.S. Government, particularly the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.
Boeing (Exited)
Thor-Able (retired 1960): 16 launches (6 failures)
Thor-Ablestar (retired 1965): 19 launches (7 failures)
Thorad-Agena (retired 1972): 43 launches (3 failures)
Thor-Burner (retired 1976): 26 launches (3 failures)
Thor DSV-2U (retired 1980): 5 launches (1 failure)
Thor-Delta (retired 1962): 5 launches (1 failure)
Delta A (retired 1962): 2 launches
Delta B (retired 1964): 9 launches (1 failure)
Delta C (retired 1969): 13 launches (1 failure)
Delta D (retired 1965): 2 launches
Delta E (retired 1971): 23 launches
Delta G (retired 1967): 2 launches
Delta J (retired 1968): 1 launches
Delta L (retired 1972): 2 launches (1 failure)
Delta M (retired 1971): 13 launches (2 failures)
Delta N (retired 1972): 9 launches (1 failure)
Delta II (retired 2018): 155 launches (2 failures)
Delta III (retired 2000): 3 launches (3 failures)
These programs include those developed by McDonnell Douglas, acquired by Boeing in 1997. In 2006, Boeing transferred its space business to ULA, a joint venture with Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin (Exited)
Vanguard (retired 1959): 11 launches (8 failures)
Scout family (retired 1994): 120 launches (11 failures)
Athena I (retired 2001): 4 launches (1 failure)
Athena II (retired 1999): 3 launches (1 failure)
Titan II GLV (retired 1966): 12 launches
Titan 23G (retired 2003): 13 launches (1 failure)
Titan IIIA (retired 1965): 4 launches (1 failure)
Titan IIIB (retired 1987): 68 launches (6 failures)
Titan IIIC (retired 1982): 36 launches (5 failures)
Titan IIID (retired 1982): 22 launches
Titan IIIE (retired 1977): 7 launches (1 failure)
Titan 34D (retired 1989): 12 launches (3 failures)
Commercial Titan III (retired 1992): 4 launches (1 failure)
Titan IV (retired 2005): 39 launches (4 failures)
These programs include those developed by Glenn L. Martin Company and LTV Aerospace Corporation, merged and acquired by Lockheed Martin in 1995 and 1996 respectively. In 2006, Lockheed Martin transferred its space business to ULA, a joint venture with Boeing.
General Dynamics (Exited)
Atlas B (retired 1959): 10 launches (4 failures)
Atlas D (retired 1967): 135 launches (32 failures)
Atlas-Able (retired 1960): 3 launches (3 failures)
Atlas-Agena (retired 1978): 109 launches (16 failures)
Atlas E/F (retired 1995): 65 launches (9 failures)
Atlas H (retired 1987): 5 launches
Atlas LV-3B (retired 1963): 9 launches (2 failures)
Atlas SLV-3 (retired 1983): 63 launches (6 failures)
Atlas-Centaur family (retired 2004): 197 launches (16 failures)
Convair Corporation began contract on America’s first ICBM (Atlas) before the company was acquired by General Dynamics in 1953. In 1962, the Atlas rocket was used to launch the first US astronaut (John Glenn) into orbit. In 1994, General Dynamics sold its space division to Lockheed Martin.
Chrysler (Exited)
Juno I (retired 1959): 6 launches (3 failures)
Juno II (retired 1961): 10 launches (6 failures)
Sparta (retired 1967): 10 launches (1 failure)
Chrysler’s launch vehicles were direct descendants of the German V-2 rocket, developed by a team of German rocket engineers brought to the United States after WWII. In 1958, Juno I launched America's first satellite (Explorer 1) to orbit. After losing the Space Shuttle contract in 1975, Chrysler dissolved its space division.
NASA
Saturn family (retired 1973): 32 launches (1 failure)
Space Shuttle (retired 2011): 135 launches (2 failures)
Space Launch System: 1 launch
Note: I’m using NASA as a generalization for large nationwide programs that utilize multiple prime contractors.
The SLS is the launch system for NASA’s Artemis program, built in partnership with Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and ULA. Made to be expendable, the cost per launch is exorbitantly high at over $4 billion.
Other mentions:
Stoke Space – Founded in 2019 by former Blue Origin employees, Stoke has yet to launch. Their first rocket, Nova, will have a capacity of 3,000 kg to LEO, and is targeting orbit by 2026.
Relativity Space – Founded in 2015 by a former Blue Origin employee, Relativity raised over $2 billion and attempted one launch (that failed) in 2023. In 2025, Google CEO Eric Schmidt stepped in to help the “absolutely cooked” company avert potential bankruptcy.
Long Wall (ABL Space Systems) – Founded in 2017 by former SpaceX employees, ABL raised ~$500 million and attempted one launch (that failed) in 2023. In 2025, they rebranded to “Long Wall” to focus on developing hypersonic missile defense systems.
Astra Space – Beginning as an aerospace R&D firm in 2005, former NASA CTO Chris Kemp reincorporated the firm as Astra Space in 2016. The company has launched 7 times, with 5 failures. Astra went public on the NASDAQ (ASTR) via a SPAC in 2021, but delisted in 2024 due to a struggling stock price. They are targeting 2026 for their next launch.
Virgin Galactic – Founded in 2004 by billionaire Richard Branson for the purpose of space tourism, the company has completed 12 successful spaceflights to date. Although struggling financially, they are targeting the launch of their new Delta Class spacecraft in fall 2026.
Virgin Orbit – The company was formed in 2017 as a spin-off of Virgin Galactic to develop the LauncherOne rocket, designed to deliver satellites to orbit. After listing on the NASDAQ (VORB) in 2021, the company suffered multiple failures and unable to raise funding, filled for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023.
SpinLaunch – Founded in 2014, SpinLaunch builds mass accelerators that use centrifugal force to launch payloads into space. They’ve completed suborbital tests up to 9 km high. Recently they’ve pivoted to building a satellite constellation (via traditional launch), alongside development of their accelerator technology.
Space Services Inc. – In 1982, their Conestoga I rocket became the first privately funded rocket to reach space. They launched three times, with two failures, before running out of money. Today, they operate as a memorial company, purchasing payload on third-party commercial rockets for space burials.
China
Aside from the USA, China has the most active space program in the world. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) leads most missions, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) handles crewed flights, and the People's Liberation Army (PLA) oversees defense aspects. A few of their accomplishments include:
One of four nations with a global navigation system (BeiDou).
One of three nations with human spaceflight capability (taikonauts, 2003).
One of two nations to land a Mars rover (Zhurong, 2021).
Only nation to land on the far side of the Moon (Chang'e-4, 2019).
Only nation with a space station (Tiangong, 2021).
In 2014, the Chinese government ended its state-owned monopoly on the space industry by issuing "Document 60," a policy that opened parts of the space sector to private investment. Today, China accounts for over 25% of global launch.
China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC)
Long March 1 (retired 1971): 2 launches
Feng Bao 1 (retired 1981): 11 launches (4 failures)
Long March 1D (retired 2002): 3 launches (1 failure)
Long March 2 (retired 1974): 1 launch (1 failure)
Long March 2A (retired 1978): 3 launches
Long March 2C: 82 launches (2 failures)
Long March 2D: 99 launches (1 failure)
Long March 2E (retired 1995): 7 launches (3 failures)
Long March 2F: 25 launches
Long March 3 (retired 2000): 13 launches (3 failures)
Long March 3A: 27 launches
Long March 3B (retired 2012): 12 launches (2 failures)
Long March 3B/E: 100 launches (2 failures)
Long March 3C (retired 2016): 8 launches
Long March 3C/E: 12 launches
Long March 4A (retired 1990): 2 launches
Long March 4B: 53 launches (1 failure)
Long March 4C: 57 launches (2 failures)
Kaituozhe-1 (retired 2003): 2 launches (2 failures)
Kaituozhe-2 (retired 2017): 1 launch (1 failure)
Long March 5: 8 launches (1 failure)
Long March 5B: 7 launches
Long March 6: 14 launches
Long March 6A: 16 launches
Long March 6C: 1 launch
Long March 7: 10 launches
Long March 7A: 11 launches (1 failure)
Long March 8: 4 launches
Long March 8A: 3 launches
Long March 9: In development
Long March 10: In development
Long March 11: 17 launches
Long March 12: 2 launches
CASC is a state-owned enterprise and the primary contractor for China's space program. They are responsible for 97% of all of China’s launches historically, but average 70% in recent years amid commercial growth.
ExPace
Kuaizhou-1 (retired 2015): 2 launches
Kuaizhou-1A: 31 launches (3 failures)
Kuaizhou-1A Pro: 2 launches
Kuaizhou-11: 3 launches (1 failure)
Kuaizhou-21: In development
Kuaizhou 31: In development
Founded in 2016, ExPace is a wholly owned subsidiary of CASIC (a state-owned company and the largest maker of missiles in China) and serves as its commercial rocket division.
i-Space
Hyperbola-1S (retired 2018): 1 launch
Hyperbola-1Z (retired 2018): 1 launch
Hyperbola-1: 8 launches (4 failures)
Hyperbola-2: In development
Hyperbola-3: In development
Founded in 2016, i-Space (not to be confused with the Japanese company ispace) became the first private Chinese company to reach orbit in 2019.
Galactic Energy
Ceres-1: 16 launches (1 failure)
Ceres-1S: 5 launches
Pallas-1: In development
Ceres-2: In development
Founded in 2018 by two ex-CASC engineers, Galactic Energy's long-term objective is to mine asteroids for rare metals and minerals.
CAS Space
Kinetica-1: 8 launches (1 failure)
Kinetica-2: In development
Kinetica-2H: In development
Kinetica-3: In development
Founded in 2018, CAS Space is a commercial spin-off and majority-owned by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a state-owned institution and the world's largest research organization.
LandSpace
Zhuque-1 (retired 2018): 1 launch (1 failure)
Zhuque-2: 3 launches (1 failure)
Zhuque-2E: 3 launches (1 failure)
Zhuque-3: In development
Founded in 2015, LandSpace successfully launched the world's first methane-fueled rocket to orbit in 2023.
Other mentions:
Deep Blue Aerospace – Founded in 2016, the company went viral selling two suborbital tourism seats via livestream, with plans for the maiden flight of its Nebula-1 rocket by mid-2025. However, recent satellite imagery revealed scorch marks from a failed test, likely delaying plans.
Space Pioneer – Founded in 2019 by an ex-LandSpace CTO, the startup raised ~$500 million and, in 2023, became the first private Chinese company to reach orbit with a liquid-fueled rocket. In mid-2024, a “structural failure” during a routine static launch caused the vehicle to break free and explode.
Space Epoch – Founded in 2019, the startup recently released a video of its VTVL test in mid-2025. They’ve announced ambitious partnerships, including point-to-point package delivery anywhere on Earth in <1 hour with Alibaba, and launch services for Shifang Xinglian's constellation of MEO satellites.
Space Transportation – Founded in 2018, the suborbital tourism startup produces point-to-point space planes (reminiscent of Virgin Galactic) with the goal of “making commercial spaceflight and hypersonic travel a daily reality”. It is continuing testing and has yet to launch a crewed flight.
Russia
Russia's space program traces its roots to the Soviet Union's early dominance, marked by groundbreaking firsts before facing post-1991 economic hurdles and recent sanctions. A few accomplishments include:
First satellite (Sputnik 1, 1957)
First animal in orbit (the dog Laika, 1957)
First human spaceflight (Yuri Gagarin, 1961)
First woman in space (Valentina Tereshkova, 1963)
First object to land on the Moon (Luna 2, 1959)
First object to land on Mars (Mars 2, 1971)
First space station (Salyut 1, 1971)
The Russian space industry had experienced multiple reorganizations. During the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, the state-enforced consolidation of the space sector in 2013, global sanctions imposed in 2014 related to the Russo-Ukrainian War, and more severe sanctions in 2022.
Today, the launch sector is a state-owned enterprise run by Roscosmos. While some private firms exist, they operate under strict state supervision. In 1984, Russia accounted for 75% of the world’s launch. Today, that number is near 6%.
RKTs Progress (Roscosmos)
Sputnik (retired 1958): 2 launches (1 failure)
Sputnik-PS (retired 1958): 2 launches
R-7 Semyorka (retired 1961): 27 launches (9 failures)
R-7A Semyorka (retired 1967): 28 launches (3 failures)
Luna (retired 1960): 9 launches (7 failures)
Vostok-L (retired 1961): 4 launches (1 failure)
Vostok-K (retired 1964): 13 launches (2 failures)
Vostok-2 (retired 1967): 45 launches (5 failures)
Vostok-2M (retired 1991): 93 launches (1 failure)
Molniya (retired 1965): 40 launches (20 failures)
Molniya-M (retired 2010): 297 launches (21 failures)
Polyot (retired 1964): 2 launches
Voskhod (retired 1976): 300 launches (13 failures)
Soyuz/Vostok (retired 1966): 2 launches
Soyuz (retired 1975): 30 launches (2 failures)
Soyuz-L (retired 1971): 3 launches
Soyuz-M (retired 1976): 8 launches
Soyuz-U (retired 2017): 786 launches (22 failures)
Soyuz-U2 (retired 1995): 72 launches
Soyuz-FG (retired 2019): 70 launches (1 failure)
Soyuz-2.1a: 76 launches (3 failures)
Soyuz-2.1b: 80 launches (2 failures)
Soyuz-2.1v: 13 launches (1 failure)
Founded in 1894 as a Moscow bicycle manufacturer, RKTs Progress was nationalized during WWI and shifted to aircraft (building over 25% of the Soviet air force), and later in the Cold War, pivoted to rockets. Now owned by Roscosmos, it produces the Soyuz vehicle, which has launched ~2,000 times, more than any other rocket family in the world.
Khrunichev (Roscosmos)
Proton (retired 1966): 4 launches (1 failure)
Proton-K (retired 2012): 311 launches (36 failures)
Proton-M: 115 launches (11 failures)
Angara 1.2: 5 launches (1 failure)
Angara 1.2PP (retired 2014): 1 launch
Angara A5: 5 launches (1 failure)
Strela (retired 2014): 3 launches
Rokot (retired 2019): 34 launches (3 failures)
Founded in 1916 as a Moscow automobile factory, Khrunichev pivoted to bombers in WWII, then missiles in 1959. It’s Proton rocket evolved to dominate 30% of the global launch market at one point in 2010.
Krasmash (Roscosmos)
Kosmos (retired 1967): 38 launches (12 failures)
Kosmos-1 (retired 1965): 8 launches (1 failure)
Kosmos-3 (retired 1968): 6 launches (2 failures)
Kosmos-3M (retired 2010): 444 launches (20 failures)
Krasmash began in 1932 as a home appliance manufacturer. Its Kosmos rocket ranked as the second most launched in history until Falcon 9 overtook it in late 2024. The recent 2016 State Defense Order caused the plant to pivot toward ICBM production.
Energia (Roscosmos)
N1 (retired 1972): 4 launches (4 failures)
Energia (retired 1988): 2 launches
Energia specializes in spacecraft rather than launch vehicles, having built the world’s first satellite and first human spacecraft. Today, it’s the leading contractor for Russia's human space program development, although recent reports cite debt, low morale, and bankruptcy risk.
Makeyev (Roscosmos)
Shtil' (retired 2006): 2 launches
Volna (retired 2005): 5 launches (3 failures)
Makeyev developed the world's first submarine-launched ballistic missile in 1955, and launched the first payload to orbit from a submerged submarine with their Shtil rocket in 1998.
Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology (Roscosmos)
Start-1 (retired 2006): 7 launches (1 failure)
Start-1M: In development
Founded in 1945 as a research institute for rocket propellants, MITT entered the launch business in 1993 to handle modifications for ICBMs repurposed as launch vehicles following the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.
Other mentions:
Success Rockets – Founded in 2020, SR Space is Russia’s first (and only) private launch startup. They are developing ultra-small, light-duty launch vehicles along with a range of space services. They are yet to conduct their first orbital flight.
Europe (ESA)
Following WWII, many scientists left Western Europe to work with the USA. In the months following the 1958 “Sputnik shock,” European scientists recognized that individual national projects could not compete with the two main superpowers and formed joint agencies, ELDO and ESRO, in 1964. But struggling from underfunding and diverging interests, the two agencies merged in 1975 to become the ESA.
Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine prompted Europe to sever ties with the Russian space program. The development of Ariane 6 was already experiencing delays, leaving Europe without a reliable means of launch. In response, capital markets flooded a wave of new space startups. Still, excessive bureaucracy and reports of “too much red tape” have restricted growth for many of these fledgling firms.
ESA
Europa family (retired 1971): 10 launches (7 failures)
Ariane 1 (retired 1986): 11 launches (2 failures)
Ariane 2 (retired 1989): 6 launches (1 failure)
Ariane 3 (retired 1989): 11 launches (2 failures)
Ariane 4 (retired 2003): 116 launches (1 failure)
Ariane 5 (retired 2023): 117 launches (5 failures)
Ariane 6: 3 launches
Ariane Next: In development
Vega (retired 2024): 22 launches (2 failures)
Vega C: 5 launches (1 failure)
Vega E: In development
ELDO developed the Europa rocket before merging with the ESA. France led the development of the Ariane rockets, while Italy led the development of the Vega rocket. All ESA launches take place from French Guiana, South America.
Individual countries:
Germany – In 1944, Von Braun's V-2 rocket became the first man-made object to reach space. Post-WWII West Germany's OTRAG rocket (1977-1983) ran 18 suborbital tests before being shutdown over "dual-use" political concerns. HyImpulse, RFA, and Isar Aerospace (all founded in 2018) are the country’s first private launch companies. None has yet reached space.
France – The Diamant rocket program (1965-1975) flew 12 times (3 failures) before retiring. Latitude (founded 2020) and MaiaSpace (founded 2022) are the country’s first private launch companies since then. Neither has yet reached space.
Italy – The San Marco program (1960s-1980s) successfully launched five Italian satellites via U.S. Scout rockets and training, making Italy the third nation to have independent launch capability. Avio, responsible for the Vega rocket family, is the only Italian company to reach space.
UK – British launch began in 1957 with Skylark sounding rockets. The UK has reached orbit independently once, in 1971 (Black Arrow rocket), before canceling the program to opt for cheaper U.S. Scout rockets. Startups Orbex (founded 2015) and Skyrora (founded 2018) have emerged, but neither has reached space.
Spain – Since 1966, the El Arenosillo launch site has launched 500+ sounding rockets. Spain has never achieved orbit, but startup PLD Space (founded 2011) has raised nearly $200 million and aims to change that in 2026.
Norway – Since 1962, the Andøya sounding rocket range has launched 1,000+ missions. The range also hosted a spectacular failed orbital test by German firm Isar Aerospace in 2025.
Sweden – Since 1966, the Esrange sounding rocket range has launched 600+ rockets. In 2025, the Swedish Space Corporation began developing orbital capabilities in a partnership with Firefly Aerospace.
Turkey – In 2017, Turkey launched its first sounding rocket, and soon after, established its space agency in 2018. The country aims to send a lander to the Moon by 2026, via SpaceX Falcon 9.
Japan
Japan's space program struggled in its early days following WWII, due to armistice restrictions. Forbidden from developing offensive military technology, including missile guidance systems, the country focused on ultra-small, handmade, and manually-operated sounding rockets.
In the 1980s, Japan began using commercial satellites for security purposes, blurring the line between civilian and military space. The law was formally amended in 2008, expanding its scope to include national security and shifting its focus away from purely peaceful uses. A few accomplishments:
First successful solar sail (IKAROS, 2010)
First asteroid sample return (Hayabusa, 2010)
One of two nations to return an asteroid sample
In 2003, Japan created the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) by merging its space agencies (ISAS, NAL, NASDA). JAXA runs all government space projects and supports its small, but growing, private sector.
JAXA
S-Series sounding rockets: 160+ launches
Lambda family (retired 1979): 25 launches (6 failures)
Mu family (retired 2006): 30 launches (4 failures)
N-I (retired 1982): 7 launches (1 failure)
N-II (retired 1987): 8 launches
H-I (retired 1992): 9 launches
H-II family (retired 2025): 66 launches (3 failures)
H3: 5 launches (1 failure)
Epsilon: 6 launches (1 failure)
These programs include those developed by ISAS and NASDA, later merged into JAXA. In 2018, the SS-520 became the smallest rocket to achieve orbit. The 10 meter, 2,600 kg rocket cost ~$5 million and launched a 4 kg satellite payload.
Other mentions:
Interstellar Technologies – Originally a hobbyist organization started in 1997, Interstellar became the first private Japanese company to reach space in 2019. It has performed 7 suborbital launches (4 failures), but has yet to reach orbit.
Space One – Founded in 2018, the startup aims to launch 20 rockets annually by the late 2020s. Both attempts of its KAIROS launch vehicle in 2024 either exploded or lost control shortly after liftoff, but more are planned.
Honda – In 2021, Japan's second-biggest carmaker announced a long-term strategy to “become a comprehensive mobility company”, including space transport. In 2025, they tested a prototype reusable rocket that flew to an altitude of 271.4 meters before landing vertically. The company aims for spaceflight by 2029.
India
India's space program began in 1962 with sounding rocket tests from a church in Thumba. Western technology transfers were denied due to geopolitical tensions and missile proliferation fears, so India partnered with the Soviet Union.
In 1975, the Soviets orbited India's first satellite and assisted its neighboring country in developing its own launch capabilities. In 1980, India launched their second satellite from its own soil.
India reached its 100th orbital rocket launch in 2025. It joins five nations with successful Moon landings and stands alone in landing on the lunar south pole.
ISRO
Rohini sounding rockets: 1700+ launches
SLV (retired 1983): 4 launches (2 failures)
ASLV (retired 1994): 4 launches (3 failures)
PSLV: 63 launches (4 failures)
GSLV: 25 launches (6 failures)
SSLV: 3 launches (1 failure)
NGLV: In development
Founded in 1962, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India's national space agency. In 2021, the government launched the Indian Space Association to open the space industry to the private sector and startups.
Other mentions:
Skyroot Aerospace – Founded in 2018 by ex-ISRO engineers, Skyroot conducted India's first private suborbital launch in 2022.
Agnikul Cosmos – Founded in 2017, Agnikul successfully flew the world's first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine in 2024, during a suborbital test.
Other countries
The USA, Russia, and China account for 88% of historical launch. When combined with the EU, Japan, and India, the number reaches 99%. All other countries represent less than 1% of the total.
Australia – In 2025, Gilmour Space Technologies attempted Australia's first sovereign orbital rocket launch, but it failed after 14 seconds of flight.
Canada – Reaction Dynamics (founded 2017) and NordSpace (founded 2022) are rapidly testing rockets, both aiming to achieve domestic orbital flight for the first time in the country's history as early as 2027.
Iran – Supported by Russia, China, and North Korea, Iran has built a capable launch program. Since its 2009 debut, the heavily sanctioned country has flown 11 successful orbital launches, most of which deployed military satellites.
Israel – Since 1988, Israel has consistently launched satellite payloads (via its Shavit rocket) to orbit every few years for a total of 13 times (2 failures). Due to the Gaza conflict, its most recent launch sparked brief public panic, mistaken for an incoming missile.
North Korea – Supported by the Soviet Union as early as the 1950s, the DPRK has attempted orbital launches 9 times, achieving success 3 times in 2012, 2016, and 2023.
South Korea – South Korea has conducted 6 orbital launch attempts, with 3 of them succeeding. Its first success occurred less than two months after North Korea's inaugural orbital achievement. Startups Innospace (founded 2017) and Perigee Aerospace (founded 2018) are rapidly testing, but have yet to reach orbit.
New Zealand – Founded by Sir Peter Beck in 2006, Rocket Lab became the first private Southern Hemisphere company to reach space with a 2009 sounding rocket launch. It restructured as a U.S. entity in 2013, with its original NZ operations remaining a subsidiary for key manufacturing and launches.
Ukraine – Before the 1991 Soviet collapse, Ukraine developed the Tsyklon rocket (8 launches, 1 failure). The Zenit rocket, also developed pre-collapse, had 84 launches total (13 failures), continuing before and after. Post-collapse, Ukraine created the Dnepr rocket (22 launches, 1 failure). The 2014 Russian invasion disrupted Russia-Ukraine cooperation, ending Ukrainian orbital rocket launches after the last Zenit in 2017.
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- David