Governments worldwide spend over $100 billion annually on space. NASA, ESA, CNSA, JAXA, and ISRO each take a radically different approach. Here's the full breakdown of who spends what, and which programs create the most commercial opportunity.
Inside China's rise as a space superpower: Qian Xuesen's US deportation, the 1970 Dongfanghong-1 satellite, Shenzhou taikonauts, Chang'e far-side landing, and Tianwen-1 Mars.
Inside China's commercial space boom: LandSpace's ZhuQue methane rocket, Galactic Energy, iSpace, Space Pioneer's Tianlong, and the fastest-growing launch industry on Earth.
China's Tiangong space station completed in 2022 with Tianhe, Wentian and Mengtian modules. Inside the taikonaut missions, science program and CNSA's post-ISS ambitions.
80+ countries operate satellites and 40+ have space agencies in 2025. A country-by-country map of space companies, budgets, missions, and Artemis Accords signatories.
