Space Agencies

Space Agencies

There are numerous space agencies around the world, many of them whom work together in international projects such as the International Space Station. Here are the major ones:

Canada

World leader in robotics, Canada supplies the space shuttle fleet with the Canadarm. It has also equipped the International Space Station (ISS) with an advanced arm, dextrous manipulator and Space Vision System. Canada is advanced in Earth-imaging satellites such as RADARSAT.

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
http://www.space.gc.ca/home/index.asp

Europe

The European Space Agency is a conglomerate of 15 Member States in Europe. This large organization spans over all areas of space science, producing countless spacecraft and itself working in international projects with others. Notable missions are Cassini’s Huygens probe, Cluster, SOHO, Mars Express, Planck, and Rosetta.

European Space Agency (ESA)
http://www.esa.int/

France

France is skilled in aerospace technologies. It is a developer of rockets, like the French Ariane rocket. Involved in numerous Earth science missions, CNES is planning to expand their reach to Mars orbiters.

Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) – National Centre of Space Studies
http://www.cnes.fr/WEB_UK/index.htm

Italy

The Italian Space Agency is highly involved in astronomy missions. Among them are the BeppoSAX satellite and the radio science instruments aboard the Saturn-bound Cassini spacecraft. Italy often partners with other countries in projects. The three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules (MPLM) are provided by the Italians to ship scientific cargo to and from the ISS.

Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI) – Italian Space Agency
http://www.asi.it/

Japan

Japan has multiple interests in the space sector. They work on microgravity experiments, space biology, planetary exploration, launch vehicles and much more. Launches are held at Tanegashima Space Center. A number of notable astronauts come from Japan, and many more will be going up in support of the ISS Kibo module (Japanese Experiment Module - JEM).

National Aeronautics and Space Development Agency (NASDA)
http://www.nasda.go.jp/index_e.html

Peru

If you are one of those who believe that Peru is only the ruins of Machu Picchu, discover the amazing work being done by the National Commission of Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA) and take a tour through a culture which does not stop surprising us.

National Commission of Aerospace Research and Development (CONIDA)
http://www.conida.gob.pe/

Russia

The Russians were the first to venture into space with the satellite, Sputnik, in 1957. Soon after, they sent the first human into orbit. The history of Russian spaceflight includes many firsts, making Russia one of the great leaders in space exploration. It is the country with most experience in long-term space endurance. A major partner in the ISS, Russia is supplying many modules, the Soyuz return capsules and the Progress supply ships.

Rosaviakosmos - Russian Aviation and Space Agency
http://www.rosaviakosmos.ru/english/eindex.htm

Spain

Get to know the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) Spain's National Institute of Aerospace Technology through a very complete web site where you will learn about everything from aerodynamics and propulsion through remote sensing.

Instituto Nacional de Téchnica Aeroespacial (INTA) - National Institute of Aerospace Technologies
http://www.inta.es/en/index.asp

United States

The United States’ endeavours into space are too numerous to count. From the early beginnings with NACA to the present NASA, the US space program is the largest in the world. To the moon on the Apollo missions they went. To the planets near and far they explored. There are rockets, Earth-observing satellites, robotics, advanced propulsion, hypersonic jets and a whole lot more. Their human space program includes the shuttle, the first reusable spacecraft; the ISS; and future Mars missions.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
http://www.nasa.gov/

Last Updated:
25 May 2003