Mapped: The World’s Space Launch Sites (2016-2026)

Mapped: The World’s Space Launch Sites (2016-2026)

Space launch activity is increasingly concentrated in two countries. Between 2016 and 2026 (YTD as of June 8, 2026), the United States recorded 754 orbital launches, while China completed 513.

This map, created in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation, shows the world’s major space launch sites and their activity over the last decade.

The U.S. Leads Space Launches

The U.S. remains the world’s launch leader. Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral accounted for 499 launches between 2016 and 2026. Vandenberg Space Force Base hosted another 222.

Launch Site	Country	Number of Launches
Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site	China	16
Huang Hai CZ-11	China	19
Jiuquan Space Center	China	188
Taiyuan weixing fashe zhongxin	China	95
Wenchang Space Center	China	45
Xichang Space Center	China	144
Yangjiang	China	6
Centre Spatial Guyanais	France	75
Israeli Air Force Test Range	Israel	4
Tanegashima Space Center	Japan	30
Uchinoura Space Center	Japan	5
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1	New Zealand	72
Baykonur Kosmodrome	Russia/Soviet Union	98
Plesetsk Kosmodrome	Russia/Soviet Union	74
Vostochniy, Svobodniy, Amurskaya Oblast’, Rossiy	Russia/Soviet Union	20
Barge launch site	South Korea	1
Naro Space Center	South Korea	3
Kennedy / Cape Canaveral	United States	499
Mojave Spaceport	United States	4
Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska	United States	2
Starbase	United States	8
Vandenberg Space Force Base	United States	222
Wallops Island	United States	19

Commercial operators helped fuel this growth. SpaceX, for example, increased space exploration frequency and expanded U.S. access to orbit.

China Expands Its Launch Network

China recorded the second-highest number of launches during the period. Jiuquan Space Center led with 188 launches. Xichang followed with 144, while Taiyuan recorded 95.

China also expanded its infrastructure. Wenchang completed 45 launches, while Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site added 16. These newer facilities support satellite deployment, commercial missions, and future lunar ambitions.

Launch Sites Are Strategic Assets

These sites form the backbone of space infrastructure. They provide access to satellites that support communications, navigation, defense, and Earth observation.

Russia recorded 192 launches across Baikonur (98), Plesetsk (74), and Vostochny (20). Other key facilities include France’s Guiana Space Centre (75 launches), New Zealand’s Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 (72), and Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center (30).

Larger countries often hold a geographic advantage. They can build more sites and expand capacity more easily.

Defense Activity Moves Into Orbit

Defense-related launches are rising. The U.S. launched 250 metric tons of defense payloads between 2020 and 2024, up from 120 metric tons in 2005–2009.

China increased its defense launch mass from 40 metric tons to 230 metric tons over the same period. Meanwhile, the Rest of World saw defense launch mass fall from 160 metric tons to roughly 120 metric tons.

The New Space Race

The U.S. and China are investing heavily in space infrastructure. Both countries are building the space exploration capacity needed to support future satellite networks, military systems, and commercial services.

As space becomes more important to global trade and national security, related infrastructure is becoming a key source of strategic advantage.

Visit the Hinrich Foundation to learn more about space dominance and its importance in global trade.