The ownership of satellites in Earth's orbit is primarily concentrated among a few major players, encompassing both private companies and government entities. According to recent data compiled by Visual Capitalist, SpaceX stands out as the dominant owner, possessing the largest share of operational satellites.
Leading Satellite Owners
As of the provided data, the top owners of satellites in orbit are clear, with a significant portion attributed to SpaceX's extensive Starlink constellation. The following table details the major owners and their respective shares:
| Owner | Total Satellites | Share |
|---|---|---|
| SpaceX | 3,395 | 50% |
| OneWeb Satellites | 502 | 7% |
| Chinese Government | 369 | 5% |
| U.S. Government | 306 | 4% |
This data highlights that SpaceX alone accounts for half of the satellites among these leading owners, primarily through its Starlink internet constellation, which aims to provide global broadband internet access. Following SpaceX, other significant owners include commercial entities like OneWeb Satellites, which also focuses on satellite internet, and national governments such as the Chinese and U.S. governments, each contributing to the global satellite landscape with their own fleets for various purposes including communication, surveillance, navigation, and scientific research.
