China vs NATO: Cumulative number of objects launched into outer space
China
1,759
in 2025
NATO
5
in 1991
China rank
3rd
NATO rank
2nd
Cumulative number of objects launched into outer space over time
- China
- NATO
How they compare
China currently reports 1,759 against 5 in NATO, a difference of 1,754.
That makes China's figure about 351.8 times NATO's.
The two have swapped places 1 time across 5 shared years of data; in 1970 it was NATO ahead.
China ranks 3rd and NATO ranks 2nd of 50 countries.
China has averaged higher in every one of the 3 decades both report.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | China | NATO | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 3.67 | 2 | 1.67 | China |
| 1980s | 17 | 4 | 13 | China |
| 1990s | 33 | 5 | 28 | China |
Averages of every year both report within each decade.
Frequently asked questions
- Which has higher cumulative number of objects launched into outer space, China or NATO?
- China, at 1,759 against 5 in NATO as of 2025.
- What is the difference in cumulative number of objects launched into outer space between China and NATO?
- 1,754, with China ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for China and NATO?
- 5 years are reported by both, from 1970 to 1991.
- How do China and NATO rank globally for cumulative number of objects launched into outer space?
- China ranks 3rd and NATO ranks 2nd of 50 countries.
- Where does this data come from?
- Our World in Data, published as Cumulative number of objects launched into outer space. Statizoid refreshes it automatically from the source and publishes the full history for both places.