The Number Of Objects Orbiting Earth

The launch of the first artificial satellite by the Soviet Union in 1957 marked the beginning of the utilization of space for science and commercial activity.

During the Cold War, space was a prime area of competition between the USSR and USA, reaching its climax with the race to the Moon in the 1960s.

In 1964, the first TV satellite was launched into a geostationary orbit in order to transmit the Olympic games from Tokyo.

Later, Russian launch activities declined while other nations set up their own space programs.

Thus, the number of objects in Earth orbit has increased steadily -- by two hundred per year on average.

Check out the site below and the hi-rez photos to see what really is currently orbiting our planet.

The Number Of Objects Orbiting Earth

[Sure is crowded up there.]