Space agencies around the world

There are currently 77 space agencies around the world, 16 of which have launch capabilities. The most notable being NASA but there are also important agencies in Russia, China, Europe, Canada, Japan, and India. Which are responsible for exploring space, conducting space research, and managing space programs.

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA was established on July 29, 1958, and its overall mission is to pioneer the future in space exploration, scientific discovery, and aeronautics research. Specific objectives include: To explore the solar system and beyond; To understand and protect our home planet; To develop innovative technologies; And to inspire the next generation of explorers.

The United States agency is the biggest player in the field of space technology, with an annual budget of more than $22 billion for 2020.

One of the next big future missions of NASA is the Artemis mission which aims to establish a permanent base on the moon by 2028.

Make sure to check NASA jobs if you want to participate in NASA's endeavour.

ESA - European Space Agency

The European Space Agency is a multinational space organization, currently composed of 23 member states and open any European Union country that meets certain criteria.

The agency has developed a number of successful spacecraft and satellites, including the Ariane 5 spacecraft that launch the James Webb telescope in collaboration with NASA.

The ESA is working on a Mars rover called ExoMars, some of his objectives are to search for possible biosignatures of past Martian life and study the surface environment for future human missions on Mars.

CNSA - China National Space Administration

Founded in 1993, making it one of the youngest space agencies in the world, the CNSA has become the third country to independently send a human into orbit with their own spacecraft (after Russia and America).

China has launched a number of successful spacecraft, including the Chang'e lunar landers and rovers, and the Tiangong space laboratory.

Roscosmos - Russian Federal Space Agency

Roscosmos was founded in 1992 after the breakup of the Soviet Union, and it has been instrumental in developing Russia's human spaceflight capabilities. The agency has also played a leading role in building up Russia's satellite navigation system, GLONASS.

It operates the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan where the Soyuz rocket is launched. Until 2020 NASA was dependent on the Soyuz to send crew into the ISS.

JAXA - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

In 2003 three Japanese organizations were merged to form JAXA.

The agency's mission statement is "to contribute to peaceful use and exploration of space, while also working on Earth-related issues". One of its recent mission was Hayabusa 2. Its goal was to take samples from the asteroid Ryugu and bring them back to earth, which it successfully did in 2020.

ISRO - Indian Space Research Organisation

Formed on 15 August 1969 by the merger of two government organizations

The organization's primary objective is to develop indigenous space technology and applications for socio-economic benefit. Some of ISRO's notable achievements include the launch of its PSLV and GSLV rockets, as well as the deployment of several satellites into orbit.

CSA - Canada Space Agency

The Canada Space agency was formed in 1989 and has a long history of collaboration with international partners in space exploration. It has participated in many successful missions, including the International Space Station with the Canadarm built by MDA, and the Robotic Exploration of Mars. Its mandate is to promote the peaceful use and exploration of space and to advance Canada's space science and technology capabilities.