List of Major Space Agencies of the World
| S. No. | Established / Start Date | Space Agency | Objective / Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1958 | NASA — National Aeronautics and Space Administration | United States space agency responsible for human spaceflight, planetary exploration, space science, Earth observation and major scientific missions. |
| 2 | 1961 | CNES — Centre National d'Études Spatiales | French national space agency responsible for space research, satellite programmes, launch systems and international space cooperation. |
| 3 | 1969 | ISRO — Indian Space Research Organisation | India's national space agency, responsible for launch vehicles, satellites, lunar and planetary exploration, navigation and space applications. |
| 4 | 1975 | ESA — European Space Agency | Intergovernmental space organisation coordinating European space science, Earth observation, launch vehicles, telecommunications and exploration programmes. |
| 5 | 1983 | ISA — Israel Space Agency | Promotes Israeli space science and technology, satellite research, international cooperation and civilian space programmes. |
| 6 | 1988 | ASI — Italian Space Agency | Develops and coordinates Italy's space science, satellite technology, Earth observation and international exploration programmes. |
| 7 | 1989 | CSA — Canadian Space Agency | Canada's national space agency, supporting space robotics, satellite technology, astronaut missions and scientific research. |
| 8 | 1992 | Roscosmos — State Corporation for Space Activities | Russia's principal space organisation, responsible for launch systems, satellites, crewed spaceflight and space infrastructure. |
| 9 | 1993 | CNSA — China National Space Administration | China's national space administration, responsible for civilian space cooperation, planetary exploration, lunar missions and satellite programmes. |
| 10 | 1994 | AEB — Brazilian Space Agency | Coordinates Brazil's civilian space programme, including satellite applications, launch infrastructure and Earth observation. |
| 11 | 2003 | JAXA — Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency | Japan's aerospace agency, responsible for launch vehicles, satellite missions, planetary science, astronaut activities and space technology research. |
| 12 | 2004 | Iranian Space Agency (ISA) | Coordinates Iran's civilian space activities, including satellite development, remote sensing and space research. |
| 13 | 2009 | Netherlands Space Office (NSO) | Coordinates Dutch space policy and programmes, including satellite applications, Earth observation and international cooperation. |
| 14 | 2010 | UK Space Agency (UKSA) | Coordinates the United Kingdom's civil space programme, satellite navigation, Earth observation, space science and international partnerships. |
| 15 | 2010 | SANSA — South African National Space Agency | Develops South Africa's space capabilities in satellite applications, space science, Earth observation and space weather. |
| 16 | 2014 | UAE Space Agency | Develops the United Arab Emirates' space sector and supports space science, satellite programmes, exploration and international partnerships. |
| 17 | 2016 | New Zealand Space Agency (NZSA) | Oversees New Zealand's civilian space policy, commercial launch activities, space regulation and international cooperation. |
| 18 | 2018 | Australian Space Agency (ASA) | Supports Australia's civil space industry, space technology development, international cooperation and satellite applications. |
| 19 | 2019 | PhilSA — Philippine Space Agency | Coordinates the Philippines' space science, satellite development, Earth observation and national space programme. |
| 20 | 2023 | Spanish Space Agency (AEE) | Coordinates Spain's national space strategy, space science, satellite programmes and participation in European space activities. |
| 21 | 2024 | KASA — Korea AeroSpace Administration | Leads South Korea's national space and aerospace policy, including satellite development, launch vehicles and lunar exploration. |
Notes:
- This is a selected list of major national and multinational civilian space agencies, not an exhaustive list of all space organisations.
- Establishment dates refer to the founding of the organisation or its current institutional form. Some agencies evolved from earlier programmes or predecessor organisations.
- ESA is an intergovernmental organisation serving multiple European member states, rather than the national agency of a single country.
- NASA, ISRO, ESA, JAXA, CNSA and Roscosmos are among the prominent organisations involved in major international space exploration and scientific programmes.
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