This document provides a brief overview of major space agencies and organizations involved in space exploration, research, and development.
Government Agencies
|
Agency |
Country/Region |
Focus/Mission |
|---|---|---|
|
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) |
United States |
Civilian space program, aeronautics, and space research. Notable missions include Apollo, Space Shuttle, and the Artemis Program. |
|
ESA (European Space Agency) |
Europe |
Intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space, including launch vehicles (Ariane) and science missions (Rosetta). |
|
Roscosmos |
Russia |
State corporation responsible for the space flights, cosmonautics program, and aerospace research of Russia. Operates the Soyuz launch system. |
|
JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) |
Japan |
Japanese national aerospace and space agency, focusing on satellites, probes (Hayabusa), and launch vehicle development. |
|
CNSA (China National Space Administration) |
China |
National space agency of China, with programs including human spaceflight (Shenzhou), lunar exploration (Chang'e), and the Tiangong space station. |
|
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) |
India |
Primary agency of the government of India for space exploration and research. Known for cost-effective missions like Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission. |
International Organizations
International collaboration is essential for large-scale space projects.
- UNOOSA (United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs): Works to promote international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
- The International Space Station (ISS) Partnership: A collaborative project between NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) for an orbiting research laboratory.