World-Wide Successful Space Launches: 1957 - 1989 [Criterion of success is attainment of Earth orbit or escape.] China: Total Soviet United ESA Main- Year (1) Union States Japan (2) India land Total 3,091 2,106 887 36 23 3 23 1957-59 21 6 15 - - - - 1960-64 268 76 192 - - - - 1965-69 586 302 279 - - - - 1970-74 555 405 139 5 - - 2 1975-79 607 461 126 10 1 - 6 1980-84 605 483 93 12 8 3 6 1985 120 97 17 2 3 - 1 1986 103 91 6 2 2 - 2 1987 110 95 8 3 2 - 2 1988 116 90 12 2 7 - 4 1989 101 74 18 2 7 - - - Represents zero. 1. Includes launches in other countries not shown separately. 2. E.S.A.=European Space Agency. Source:Library of Congress, Congressional Research Service, Science Policy Research Division.