Launch-capable Countries
This list includes countries with an independent capability to place satellites in orbit, including production of the necessary launch vehicle. Note: many more countries have the capability to design and build satellites but are unable to launch them, instead relying on foreign launch services. This list does not consider those numerous countries, but only lists those capable of launching satellites indigenously, and the date this capability was first demonstrated. Does not include consortium satellites or multi-national satellites.
| Order | Country | Year of first launch | Rocket | Satellite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soviet Union | 1957 | Sputnik-PS | Sputnik 1 |
| 2 | United States | 1958 | Juno I | Explorer 1 |
| 3 | France | 1965 | Diamant | Astérix |
| 4 | Japan | 1970 | Lambda-4S | Ōsumi |
| 5 | China | 1970 | Long March 1 | Dong Fang Hong I |
| 6 | United Kingdom | 1971 | Black Arrow | Prospero X-3 |
| 7 | India | 1980 | SLV | Rohini |
| 8 | Israel | 1988 | Shavit | Ofeq 1 |
| _ | Russia | 1992 | Soyuz-U | Kosmos 2175 |
| 9 | Ukraine | 1992 | Tsyklon-3 | Strela |
| 10 | Iran | 2009 | Safir-2 | Omid |
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