China
2017 – Meteorology – Snapshot
Only three satellites with a dedicated meteorological focus were deployed during 2017—less than 1% of 443 spacecraft deployed during that year. It was also a drop from the number of meteorology satellites deployed in previous years. In 2016, the number of meteorology satellites . . .
2017 – Chinese Government Space Budget – Snapshot
The Chinese space budget is not publicly available. However, Chinese capabilities and space projects provide indicators for informed estimates of the nation’s space budget…
2017 – Launch Industry – Snapshot
In 2017, there were 91 launch attempts, 85 of which were successful. Launches procured by commercial satellite operators accounted for . . .
2017 – China Payload Launch – Snapshot
China’s share of global orbital launch activity fell from its 2016 high of 26% to 20% for 2017. The nation’s 18 launch attempts moved it down in global launch activity ranking from . . .
2017 – Communications Satellites – Snapshot
Aggregate revenues in the satellite communications industry have been relatively static over recent years, even as specific markets grew or declined. The 92 communications satellites deployed in…
2017 – Economy: Space Economy
The global space industry continued to grow in 2016, reaching a total of $329.3 billion. This was slightly higher than the previous record of . . .
2017 – Infrastructure: Space Infrastructure
Launching people and satellites into orbit, providing directions to tourists, and warning residents on the Pacific Rim of an impending hurricane…all of these activities require infrastructure, the spine of . . .
2016 – Space Station Satellite Deployment Log
The ISS and other space stations occasionally deploy small satellites from various launchers, or even by hand. This log monitors the number and type of small satellite deployed from the space stations each year.
2016 – Chinese Government Space Budget
The budget for China’s space activities is not made publicly available. However, given China’s capabilities and numerous space projects, it is reasonable to assume that the nation . . .
2016 – Military Reconnaissance – Snapshot
Earth observation used to be the domain of a nation’s civil agencies and military. In 2016, ## spacecraft were launched or deployed in the Earth’s orbit. More than ##, ##, of those spacecraft were launched with an Earth observation mission. Some commercial Earth observation satellites even carry infrared sensor payloads, which at one time were only found aboard the military’s…