Space Technology

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.

= ==Launch capable private entities *Orbital Sciences Corporation is conducting launches using its Taurus I rocket.

*On September 28, 2008, the private aerospace firm SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 1 rocket in to orbit. This marked the first time that a privately built liquid-fueled booster was able to reach orbit. The rocket carried a prism shaped 1.5& m (5& ft) long payload mass simulator that was set into orbit. The dummy satellite, known as Ratsat, will remain in orbit for between five and ten years before burning up in the atmosphere.

A few other private companies are capable of sub-orbital launches.


Adapted from the Wikipedia article Satellite, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki