§ Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Aviation Supply how many satellites or other objects of earthly origin are now permanently in orbit round the earth and the moon, respectively; and if he will publish details of the countries from which they were launched similar to those given in answer to a Question on 25th July, 1969.
§ Mr. David PriceOn 28th January, 1971, 2,139 objects were in orbit round the earth. Of these 429 were satellites. On the same date seven lunar probes were in orbit round the moon.
Of the 429 satellites, the numbers put into orbit by, or on behalf of, the various countries or organisations are as follows:
U.S.A. … 304 U.S.S.R. … 105 France … 6 United Kingdom … 3 Canada … 3 German Federal Republic … 2 E.S.R.O. … 2 Japan … 1 Chinese People's Republic … 1 Australia … 1 N.A.T.O. … 1 Of the seven lunar probes, three were launched by the United States and four by the U.S.S.R.
274WIt is not possible to give all the details sought without a disproportionate effort.