Top 6 space agencies in the World

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

It was founded in 1958 by the US government in reaction to the Soviet Union's launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1.

China National Space Administration (CNSA)

It was created in 1993, although its history dates back to the 1950s, when China began manufacturing ballistic missiles and rockets.

European Space Agency (ESA)

It was founded in 1975 when two previous organisations—the European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) and the European Launcher Development Organisation (ELDO)—merged.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Founded in 1969 by the Indian government, its mission is to use space technology for national development and to serve humanity.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

It was formed in 2003 as a result of three previous organisations' merger. These included the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA).

Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos)

It was founded in 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Images: Official websites