Most recent objects
GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)| Object | Launched | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRO-21 | 2026 May 3 | Payload | Operating |
| BRO 19 | 2026 Mar 30 | Payload | Operating |
| SpaceVan-002 | 2026 Mar 30 | Payload | Operating |
| Out Of The Box | 2026 Mar 30 | Payload | Operating |
| Flylab-1 | 2026 Mar 30 | Payload | Operating |
| Flylab-2 | 2026 Mar 30 | Payload | Operating |
| Ariane 6004 ULPM | 2025 Dec 17 | Rocket body | Operating |
| BRO-17 | 2025 Nov 28 | Payload | Operating |
| BRO-20 | 2025 Nov 28 | Payload | Operating |
| MicroCarb | 2025 Jul 26 | Payload | Operating |
Objects by decade
GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)Source: GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Space objects launched | 1,490 objectsGCAT [2026] |
| First space object | AsterixGCAT [2026] |
| First launch (year) | 1,965GCAT [2026] |
| Most recent launch (year) | 2,026GCAT [2026] |
| Active satellites | 76Celestrak SATCAT [2026] |
| Total tracked objects | 1,480Celestrak SATCAT [2026] |
early 1960s - began rocket program and launched animals into space 1965 - launched first domestically produced satellite (Asterix) into space on a French Diamant rocket (third country to do so after the Soviet Union and US) 1973 - began development of Ariane heavy-lift satellite launch vehicle (SLV) along with other European states, particularly Germany and the UK; Ariane would become the ESA's SLV 1970s-1990s - development of a space plane/shuttle program (Hermes) 1982 - first French astronaut into space on a Soviet rocket 1986 - launched first joint European Earth observation/remote sensing program (SPOT) 2018 - launched project (Spaceship FR) to lay the groundwork for robotic and crewed missions to the Moon and Mars 2024 - debut launch of Ariane-6 SLV; claimed world's first satellite to ground communications via laser
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
