Satellite Launch Statistics By Number of Objects Launched by Year and New Geosynchronous Satellites

Introduction

Satellite Launch Statistics: ​Satellites serve critical functions, including technology development, Earth observation, communications, space science, and navigation. These artificial objects are launched into space aboard rockets and positioned in various orbits—low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary orbit—depending on their intended applications.

As of June 2024, approximately 11,780 satellites were orbiting Earth. The number of satellites launched annually has surged, with 2,664 objects sent into space in 2023, breaking the previous year’s record. This increase is largely driven by the deployment of large constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, which alone accounted for around 3,500 satellites between 2020 and 2022. The proliferation of satellites underscores their growing importance in advancing global technological capabilities.

General Satellite Launch Statistics

• As of 2024, a total of 8,135 satellites are active in low Earth orbit (LEO).
• 552 satellites are operating in geostationary orbits, while 200 satellites are in medium Earth orbit (MEO).
• 19 satellites are in high Earth orbit (HEO) or graveyard orbits, 5 are in orbital decay, and 11 are marked for reentry.
• A total of 2,664 satellites were launched globally in 2023, indicating a 19% increase compared to 2022 (Source: BryceTech, 2024).
• Of all satellites launched in 2023, 94% were classified as small satellites (mass < 600 kg), largely driven by commercial constellation deployments.
• The United States contributed to 65% of the global satellite launches in 2023, maintaining the leading position among all countries.
• SpaceX was responsible for 57% of global satellite launches in 2023, deploying over 1,500 Starlink satellites.
• The commercial sector accounted for 85% of all satellite launches by volume in 2023, highlighting the growing role of private enterprises.
• Communications satellites made up 35% of satellite payloads, followed by Earth observation at 27%, and technology demonstration at 16%.
• Reusable launch vehicles were utilized in 39% of all orbital launches globally in 2023, improving launch efficiency and reducing costs.
• The Asia-Pacific region contributed to 21% of global satellite launches, with China executing 67 successful orbital launches and deploying over 250 satellites.
• Cubesats constituted 58% of all small satellite deployments in 2023, primarily for applications in research, imaging, and IoT.
• The average launch cost per satellite in low Earth orbit declined by 23% between 2020 and 2023 due to increased use of rideshare missions and advancements in launch vehicle efficiency.
• According to Satellite Launch Statistics 2023, a total of 615 satellites were launched into space during the year.

Top 10 Countries with the Highest Number of Satellites

According to Pixalytics, the following are the top 10 countries with the most satellites in space based on recent Satellite Launch Statistics.

(Source: pixalytics.com)

By Number of Objects Launched By Year

(Source: pixalytics.com)

According to Satellite Launch Statistics, more than 15,000 objects have been launched into space over the last 66 years. The year-on-year progress has significantly increased, and since lockdown, the number of such launches has reached over 1,000.

Top 10 Companies with the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth

DeweSoft listed the top 10 Companies with the most Satellites Orbiting Earth in 2023

(Source: dewesoft.com)

By Breakdown of Satellites by Purpose

A similar report by Dewesoft explains the share of satellites orbiting in space by their missions based on Satellite Launch Statistics 2023.

(Source: dewesoft.com)

Satellite Launch Statistics By Country

(Source: wikipedia.org)

Number of Satellites Cataloged, Decayed, and On-Orbit

(Reference: statista.com)

According to Statista Research 2023, around 26,700 satellites orbited Earth at the beginning of the previous year, a 6.8% increase compared to 2022. Overall, segments such as cataloged, decayed, and on-orbit have shown a significant increase in the number of satellites concerning Satellite Launch Statistics.

By First Orbital Launches By Country

(Source: wikipedia.org)

By New Geosynchronous Satellites

Based on a report, Space Activities in 2023, by Jonathan McDowell, the following chart explains the geostationary satellites launched in the mentioned year, ordered by longitude.

(Source: planet4589.org)

India Satellite Launch Statistics

• India generated USD 143 million in foreign exchange revenue by launching 393 foreign satellites between 2015 and 2024.
• These satellites were launched for 34 countries using ISRO’s PSLV, LVM3, and SSLV launch vehicles.
• Out of the total, 232 satellites were launched for the United States, 83 for the United Kingdom, and 19 for Singapore, with others from countries including Canada, South Korea, Luxembourg, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, Israel, and the UAE.
• Additionally, 3 Indian customer satellites were commercially launched during this period.
• India has signed space cooperation agreements with 61 countries and 5 multilateral organizations.
• The major areas of international space collaboration include satellite remote sensing, navigation, communication, space science, planetary exploration, and capacity building.
• In 2023, ISRO achieved a successful soft landing on the Moon’s South Pole through the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
• Also in 2023, India launched its first solar mission, Aditya L1.

• The Gaganyaan Mission, India’s first manned space mission, is scheduled for 2025, with astronauts receiving training in Russia.
• India has announced plans to establish the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035.
• The country also aims to send its first astronaut to the Moon by 2040, marking another milestone in its expanding space ambitions.

Conclusion

The future of satellites is brimming with possibilities. As seen in these Satellite Launch Statistics, from revolutionizing communication networks to aiding scientific discovery and exploration, satellites will continue to play a transformative role in our lives.

As we venture further into space, responsible development and international collaboration will be key to ensuring a sustainable and peaceful future for space exploration and the benefits it brings to humanity.

Tajammul Pangarkar

Tajammul Pangarkar is the co-founder of a PR firm and the Chief Technology Officer at Prudour Research Firm. With a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology from Shivaji University, Tajammul brings over ten years of expertise in digital marketing to his roles. He excels at gathering and analyzing data, producing detailed statistics on various trending topics that help shape industry perspectives. Tajammul's deep-seated experience in mobile technology and industry research often shines through in his insightful analyses. He is keen on decoding tech trends, examining mobile applications, and enhancing general tech awareness. His writings frequently appear in numerous industry-specific magazines and forums, where he shares his knowledge and insights. When he's not immersed in technology, Tajammul enjoys playing table tennis. This hobby provides him with a refreshing break and allows him to engage in something he loves outside of his professional life. Whether he's analyzing data or serving a fast ball, Tajammul demonstrates dedication and passion in every endeavor.

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