160
Objects launched
153
Payloads
Most recent objects
GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)| Object | Launched | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAVEN | 2026 May 3 | Payload | Operating |
| QUBE-II | 2026 May 3 | Payload | Operating |
| TACHELES | 2026 Apr 1 | Payload | Reentered |
| Unicorn-2R | 2026 Mar 30 | Payload | Operating |
| Unicorn-2S | 2026 Mar 30 | Payload | Operating |
| Dcubed-1 | 2026 Jan 11 | Payload | Operating |
| Flamingo-1 | 2026 Jan 11 | Payload | Operating |
| Otter SDM | 2025 Nov 28 | Payload | Operating |
| Gena-OT-1 | 2025 Nov 28 | Payload | Operating |
| SkyBee-AO2 | 2025 Jun 23 | Payload | Operating |
Objects by decade
GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)1960s5
1970s7
1980s7
1990s18
2000s24
2010s35
2020s64
Source: GCAT (J. McDowell, planet4589.org)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Space objects launched | 160 objectsGCAT [2026] |
| First space object | AzurGCAT [2026] |
| First launch (year) | 1,969GCAT [2026] |
| Most recent launch (year) | 2,026GCAT [2026] |
| Active satellites | 62Celestrak SATCAT [2026] |
| Total tracked objects | 141Celestrak SATCAT [2026] |
- 1969 - first German scientific satellite (Azur) launched by US
- 1973 - participated with other European states, particularly France and the UK, in development of Ariane satellite launch vehicle
- 1978 - first German in space on Soviet Salyut space station 1980s-
- 1990s - participated in US Space Shuttle program, including providing astronauts
- 1999 - launched a space-based X-ray telescope (ABRAXIS) on Russian rocket
- 2005 - began development of reusable space plane/shuttle/transporter
- 2019 - launched first space-based X-ray telescope (eROSITA) capable of imaging the entire sky (joint project with Russia)
- 2023 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for the exploration of space and the Moon; adopted a new national space strategy
Source: CIA World Factbook (Historical Archive — final edition) · CC0 · Edition 2026-05
