China vs Russia: Cumulative number of objects launched into outer space
China
1,759
in 2025
Russia
3,914
in 2025
China rank
3rd
Russia rank
2nd
Cumulative number of objects launched into outer space over time
- China
- Russia
How they compare
Russia currently reports 3,914 against 1,759 in China, a difference of 2,155.
That makes Russia's figure about 2.2 times China's.
Across all 50 years both countries report, Russia has been ahead every year.
China ranks 3rd and Russia ranks 2nd of 50 countries.
Russia has averaged higher in every one of the 6 decades both report.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | China | Russia | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 4.83 | 904 | 899.17 | Russia |
| 1980s | 17.75 | 2,083 | 2,065 | Russia |
| 1990s | 45 | 2,939 | 2,894 | Russia |
| 2000s | 111.6 | 3,216 | 3,105 | Russia |
| 2010s | 313.2 | 3,452 | 3,139 | Russia |
| 2020s | 1,086 | 3,722 | 2,636 | Russia |
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 Russia?
- Russia, at 3,914 against 1,759 in China as of 2025.
- What is the difference in cumulative number of objects launched into outer space between China and Russia?
- 2,155, with Russia ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for China and Russia?
- 50 years are reported by both, from 1970 to 2025.
- How do China and Russia rank globally for cumulative number of objects launched into outer space?
- China ranks 3rd and Russia 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.