Which are the top 10 space agencies in the world?

The leading space agencies worldwide, recognized for their significant contributions to space exploration and technology, are:

1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) – United States: Established in 1958, NASA has been at the forefront of space exploration, achieving milestones such as the Apollo moon landings and the Mars rover missions.
2. European Space Agency (ESA) – Europe: Formed in 1975, ESA is a collaborative organization comprising 22 member states, known for missions like the Rosetta comet mission and contributions to the International Space Station (ISS).
3. China National Space Administration (CNSA) – China: Since its inception in 1993, CNSA has rapidly advanced, notably with the Chang’e lunar missions and the Tianwen Mars exploration program.
4. Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) – Russia: Building upon the legacy of the Soviet space program, Roscosmos continues to be a key player in space activities, including its role in the ISS and various satellite deployments.
5. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – India: Founded in 1969, ISRO is acclaimed for its cost-effective missions, such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and the Chandrayaan lunar missions.
6. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) – Japan: Established in 2003, JAXA has made significant strides in asteroid exploration with missions like Hayabusa and Hayabusa2, and is involved in various international collaborations.
7. Canadian Space Agency (CSA) – Canada: Since 1989, CSA has been recognized for its expertise in space robotics, notably the Canadarm series used on the Space Shuttle and the ISS.
8. National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) – France: Founded in 1961, CNES has been instrumental in developing the Ariane rocket family and has actively participated in numerous international space missions.
9. Italian Space Agency (ASI) – Italy: Established in 1988, ASI has contributed to various space missions, including collaborations on the Mars Express and the development of Earth observation satellites.
10. German Aerospace Center (DLR) – Germany: Formed in 1969, DLR is involved in a wide range of aerospace research and has contributed to missions like the Mars Express and the Rosetta mission.

These agencies have been pivotal in advancing our understanding of space through their innovative missions and international collaborations.