Who Owns the Most Satellites?
Key Takeaways
- SpaceX (10,262) leads all operators with more than 16 times as many satellites as OneWeb (632), the next-largest named operator.
- Commercial networks now outscale legacy public and state-backed space operators by about 12-to-1.
Satellites are becoming the backbone of the modern space economy. From broadband internet to Earth observation, orbital infrastructure now supports industries far beyond aerospace.
This graphic, in partnership with Global X Canada, is the second of three graphics in the Investing in Space series. It shows who owns the most satellites using data from AEI Space Data Navigator.
Which Operators Own the Most Satellites?
SpaceX dominates the global satellite count with 10,262 operational satellites. That’s more than 16 times OneWeb’s 632 satellites, the next-largest named operator.
| Rank | Satellite Operator | Fleet Count |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SpaceX | 10,262 |
| 2 | OneWeb | 632 |
| 3 | National Reconnaissance Office | 285 |
| 4 | US Military | 244 |
| 5 | Chinese Military | 168 |
| 6 | Planet Lab | 144 |
| 7 | Russian Military | 107 |
| 8 | NASA | 90 |
| 9 | Iridium | 80 |
| 10 | Globalstar | 26 |
| — | Other | 3,409 |
Source: AEI Space Data Navigator.
The ranking shows how quickly private networks have scaled since the beginning of the space race. Public organizations like NASA and national militaries now operate a minor portion with just 894 satellites among the named owners in the dataset.
Starlink’s Scale Advantage
SpaceX operates Starlink, the largest satellite fleet ever deployed. Its scale alone accounts for about two-thirds of the 15,447 satellites shown in the dataset.
Instead of launching a handful of high-value satellites, Starlink relies on scale. As a result, the network has become a defining example of commercial orbital infrastructure.
Commercial Networks Enter Orbit
The gap between SpaceX and legacy operators signals a major turning point. Businesses now own and operate satellite networks at a scale once reserved for governments.
This matters because satellites are no longer niche government research assets. Instead, they are becoming critical infrastructure for connectivity, data, and national resilience.
Investing in Space
As commercial networks grow, orbital infrastructure may become a larger investment theme. Satellites, launch systems, and space-enabled services all sit within this expanding ecosystem.
The space economy is already moving into logistics, agriculture, defense, and communications. As a result, investors may increasingly look for exposure to companies enabling these trends.
Investors looking to learn more can explore the Global X Space Tech Index ETF (ORBX), which provides exposure to companies at the forefront of the space economy.
See how ORBX offers diversified access segments of the space technology ecosystem.
See how ORBX, offers diversified access segments of the space technology ecosystem.
Commissions, management fees, and expenses all may be associated with an investment in products (the “Global X Funds”) managed by Global X Investments Canada Inc. The Global X Funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Certain Global X Funds may have exposure to leveraged investment techniques that magnify gains and losses which may result in greater volatility in value and could be subject to aggressive investment risk and price volatility risk. Such risks are described in the prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the Global X Funds. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing.
Certain statements may constitute a forward-looking statement, including those identified by the expression “expect” and similar expressions (including grammatical variations thereof). The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the author’s current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the authors do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that is contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
This communication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase investment products (the “Global X Funds”) managed by Global X Investments Canada Inc. and is not, and should not be construed as, investment, tax, legal or accounting advice, and should not be relied upon in that regard. Individuals should seek the advice of professionals, as appropriate, regarding any particular investment. Investors should consult their professional advisors prior to implementing any changes to their investment strategies. These investments may not be suitable to the circumstances of an investor.
All comments, opinions and views expressed are generally based on information available as of the date of publication and should not be considered as advice to purchase or to sell mentioned securities. Before making any investment decision, please consult your investment advisor or advisors.
Global X Investments Canada Inc. (“Global X”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mirae Asset Global Investments Co., Ltd. (“Mirae Asset”), the Korea-based asset management entity of Mirae Asset Financial Group. Global X is a corporation existing under the laws of Canada and is the manager, investment manager and trustee of the Global X Funds.
Economy2 weeks agoThe Fastest Growing Space Economy Sectors by 2035
The space economy is set to reach C$2.5T by 2035, with supply chains, food, and defense leading growth in space-enabled industries.
