9,168
Objects launched
1,870
Payloads
Most recent objects
GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)| Object | Launched | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMILE | 2026 May 19 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-01 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-02 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-03 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-04 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-05 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-06 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-07 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-08 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
| Qianfan Xingzuo 09-09 | 2026 May 17 | Payload | Operating |
Objects by decade
GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)1970s23
1980s66
1990s4,197
2000s382
2010s1,110
2020s3,390
Source: GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Space objects launched | 9,170 objectsGCAT [2026] |
| First space object | DFH-1GCAT [2026] |
| First launch (year) | 1,970GCAT [2026] |
| Most recent launch (year) | 2,026GCAT [2026] |
| Active satellites | 1,320Celestrak SATCAT [2026] |
| Total tracked objects | 9,030Celestrak SATCAT [2026] |
- 1960s - began launching rockets and initiated satellite and satellite launch vehicle (SLV) programs
- 1970 - launched first communications satellite (Dongfanghong I)
- 2003 - first manned space flight; launched first satellite for global navigational system (Beidou)
- 2011 - placed temporary space station (Tiangong-1) into Earth orbit
- 2013 - first unmanned lunar landing mission (Chang'e-3); placed a second temporary space station (Tiangong-2) in Earth orbit
- 2017 - employed a communications satellite (Micius) to perform the world’s first quantum-encrypted virtual teleconference between Beijing and Vienna
- 2019 - landed a rover vehicle (Chang’e-4) on the far side of the Moon
- 2021 - landed a probe and operated a rover vehicle on Mars; signed agreement with Russia to set up an international manned lunar research station; announced intent to send a manned mission to Mars by 2033
- 2022 - completed construction of a permanent manned space station (Tiangong) in Earth orbit
- 2024 - successful landing and return of robotic spacecraft/probe (Chang'e-6) from the far side the Moon; first launch of "Thousand Sails" commercial communications satellite constellation project
- 2025 - launched asteroid sample return mission probe (Tianwen-2); launched world's first quantum communications microsatellite (Jinan-1)
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
