Record number of satellites were launched into space in 2020

The launch of the Beidou-3GEO3 satellite from Xichang in China on June 23. — STR/AFP

It's a record year for the space industry. In 2020, over 1200 satellites were sent to orbit, more than in any other previous year, according to spaceflight tracker Jonathan McDowell.

As of Dec 15, China was leading the way with 37% of the launches, two points ahead of the United States (35%). Europe lags far behind, with only 5% of the global space launches taking place this year, behind Russia (13%), New Zealand (7%), and just a step ahead of Japan (4%).