HC Deb 25 July 1969 vol 787 c579W
Sir R. Russell

asked the Minister of Technology 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 a list of them in the OFFICIAL REPORT, stating which are still operational and which are discarded hardware.

Mr. Benn

On 24th July, 1,750 objects were in orbit round the earth. Of these 371 were satellites. On the same date six lunar probes were in orbit round the moon.

Of the 371 satellites, the numbers put into orbit by, or on behalf of, the various countries or organisations are as follows:

U.S.A. 291
U.S.S.R. 67
France 5
United Kingdom 2
Canada 3
E.S.R.O. 3

Of the six lunar probes, three were launched by the United States and three by U.S.S.R.

It is not possible to give all the details sought without a disproportionate effort.