SATELLITE FIGURES ESTIMATED

According to the US Space Command (USSPACECOM), there are currently around 700 “active” satellites in orbit. Of these some 300 are operated by US civilian, commercial or military interests, with 50 per cent of these being military craft. Civilian sources nevertheless quote a lower figure for the total number of satellites, with the US-based Teal Group, for instance, estimating between 600-610. Around 30 satellites have been launched in the last 12 months alone, with two-thirds manufactured by US companies. Of these, 12 are commercial, 10 civilian and eight military craft.