China vs United Kingdom: Cumulative number of objects launched into outer space
China
1,759
in 2025
United Kingdom
807
in 2025
China rank
3rd
United Kingdom rank
4th
Cumulative number of objects launched into outer space over time
- China
- United Kingdom
How they compare
China currently reports 1,759 against 807 in United Kingdom, a difference of 952.
That makes China's figure about 2.2 times United Kingdom's.
The two have swapped places 1 time across 34 shared years of data; in 1970 it was United Kingdom ahead.
China ranks 3rd and United Kingdom ranks 4th of 50 countries.
Across the 6 decades both report, China averaged higher in 5 and United Kingdom in 1.
Head to head by decade
| Decade | China | United Kingdom | Difference | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 2 | 8.67 | 6.67 | United Kingdom |
| 1980s | 18.33 | 17.67 | 0.6667 | China |
| 1990s | 48 | 28.8 | 19.2 | China |
| 2000s | 114.57 | 41.43 | 73.14 | China |
| 2010s | 313.2 | 77.7 | 235.5 | China |
| 2020s | 1,086 | 620 | 466 | 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 United Kingdom?
- China, at 1,759 against 807 in United Kingdom as of 2025.
- What is the difference in cumulative number of objects launched into outer space between China and United Kingdom?
- 952, with China ahead.
- How many years of comparable data are there for China and United Kingdom?
- 34 years are reported by both, from 1970 to 2025.
- How do China and United Kingdom rank globally for cumulative number of objects launched into outer space?
- China ranks 3rd and United Kingdom ranks 4th 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.