Latest news with #GLONASS
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Top 10 nations with the most satellites in space
Image: iStock Earth's orbit is more crowded than ever in 2025. According to Orbiting Now, nearly 12,952 satellites are currently orbiting our planet. So far this year alone, 145 new satellites have been launched into space. These satellites serve a variety of purposes, from communications and navigation to military surveillance and scientific research. They are typically deployed into geostationary (GEO), medium Earth (MEO), or low Earth orbits (LEO), with small satellites dominating LEO and larger ones occupying GEO and MEO positions. Satellites are now registered by 105 countries or multinational organizations, marking a steep rise in global participation in space. Top 10 countries with the highest number of satellites in 2025 1. United States – 8,530 Satellites The United States leads the satellite race by a huge margin, with 8,530 satellites currently in orbit. This includes contributions from government agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense, alongside major commercial players. SpaceX, in particular, boosted this number with its Starlink project, which alone accounts for over 7,400 satellites offering global internet services. Other major U.S. companies such as Amazon's Project Kuiper and Iridium are also expanding rapidly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo 2. Russia – 1,559 Satellites Russia maintains a powerful satellite presence, with 1,559 satellites orbiting Earth. The Roscosmos State Space Corporation has announced plans to grow its constellation to 2,600 satellites by 2036, with 35% expected to be commercial. Russia's satellites focus heavily on remote sensing, communication, and defense systems. It also remains committed to expanding its navigation system, GLONASS, as a counterbalance to the U.S. GPS network. 3. China – 906 Satellites China has a robust and fast-growing satellite fleet of 906 satellites, covering military, governmental, and commercial use. In 2025, China launched multiple missions, including CERES-1, Guowang broadband constellation launches, and Long March 6A missions. The country's efforts are centralized under the China National Space Administration (CNSA), but also include contributions from private players like iSpace and GalaxySpace. China also plans to rival Starlink through its massive Guowang mega-constellation. 4. United Kingdom – 763 Satellites The UK currently has 763 satellites in orbit as of March 2025, as confirmed by data from the UK Parliament. These serve purposes in military ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), scientific research, communications, and technology demonstrations. The UK's growing role in space is also supported by private companies like OneWeb, which plans to expand its broadband satellite network globally. 5. Japan – 203 Satellites Japan's satellite infrastructure includes 203 active satellites, which span scientific, governmental, military, and commercial applications. A significant part of Japan's efforts is focused on navigation systems, with 5 QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) satellites already operational and plans to expand to 7 satellites by March 2026. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) continues to lead ambitious space science missions while expanding defense-related capabilities. 6. France – Over 100 Satellites France has a fleet of more than 100 satellites used for military intelligence, Earth observation, and space defense demonstrations. As a leading space player in Europe, France continues to build sovereign capability with satellite projects like CO3D (a constellation for 3D Earth observation) and YODA (a military space surveillance system). France collaborates closely with the European Space Agency (ESA) but also leads independent launches through Arianespace. 7. India – 136 Satellites India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), operates 136 satellites, including contributions from academic institutions and private companies. India's operational fleet includes 22 satellites in LEO, 32 in GEO, and key interplanetary missions like Chandrayaan-2's orbiter and the Aditya-L1 solar mission. According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, India plans to launch 100–150 additional satellites over the next three years to enhance security, climate monitoring, and digital connectivity. 8. Germany – 82 Satellites Germany has 82 satellites in space , used for governmental, defense, scientific, and commercial purposes. It is now working to significantly bolster its military space infrastructure, with the Bundeswehr aiming to deploy its own satellite constellation by 2029. German companies like OHB SE and Airbus Defence and Space are also pushing innovation in both national and European collaborative missions. 9. Italy – 66 Satellites Italy currently operates 66 satellites, primarily used for communications, Earth observation, and navigation. The country's IRIDE constellation, comprising 34 satellites, is central to its domestic space goals. Additionally, a proposed National Constellation, which could bring the total to around 100 satellites by 2030, is aimed at supporting climate observation and national security needs. 10. Canada – 64 Satellites Canada rounds off the top 10 with 64 satellites. Its space efforts focus on Earth observation, climate research, communications, and scientific exploration. Major Canadian firms like Telesat, MDA, and GHGSat lead satellite missions, while international collaboration allows Canada to participate in deep space and human exploration programs through partnerships with NASA and others. As humanity's need for connectivity, defense, navigation, and climate intelligence continues to expand, so does our presence in space. While the United States leads by a massive margin, emerging space powers like India, the UK, and China are rapidly closing gaps. The sky is no longer the limit — it's a crowded, competitive, and collaborative frontier.
Saba Yemen
17-06-2025
- Science
- Saba Yemen
Roscosmos: Russia plans to build first nuclear power plant on Moon
Moscow - (Saba): Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, announced that the agency plans to build the first nuclear power plant on the Moon and work on exploring Venus. Sputnik news agency quoted Bakanov, speaking on the Telegram channel about the projects Roscosmos is working on, as saying: "The tasks assigned to our agency include the creation of a new Russian orbital station to replace the International Space Station." He continued: "Establishing the first nuclear power plant on the surface of the Moon to serve as the basis for future lunar bases... We also plan to explore Venus, as we are the only country to have launched a spacecraft and landed on this planet." He added: "We also plan to expand our satellite constellation to increase the speed of satellite broadband internet and ensure coverage of all parts of our country with these services. We also plan to increase the accuracy of the GLONASS navigation system and improve the capabilities of domestic rockets and spacecraft." He concluded: "Great goals lie ahead. We must implement projects that require courage, broad thinking, and engineering genius." Russia and China have announced plans to build a scientific station on the Moon in cooperation with several countries. In 2021, the Russian space agency Roscosmos signed an agreement with China to this effect. As part of the station project, China is expected to send a satellite. Chang'e-6, Chang'e-7, and Chang'e-8 will also be launched to the Moon. Russia is also expected to launch several lunar orbiters and lunar surface exploration vehicles. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Gizmodo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Gizmodo
Owned by Google, Fitbit Versa 4 is Now Available at an All-Time Low as Amazon Clears Out Stock
Fitbit is now owned by Google following its acquisition a few years ago, and it has significantly improved its software and products to be the top brand among everyday users looking for a reliable fitness smartwatch. The Fitbit Versa 4 is currently available on Amazon at an all-time low price of $149, down from its list price of $199, and offers a substantial 25% savings for a limited time. See at Amazon Premium Fitness Features The Fitbit Versa 4 integrates premium fitness features with smart features in a polished and slender body. It has a bright 1.58-inch AMOLED display covered with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for strength and clarity of vision. The device is water-resistant up to 50 meters so people can wear it when they swim or in damp conditions without fear of damage. The aluminum case and elastic strap provide a secure fit for wearing all day long. It really offers a complete fitness-tracking functionality: It has an onboard GPS and GLONASS to track pace and distance correctly without having a phone on one's person. Its users can choose from more than 40 exercise modes including HIIT, yoga, strength training, and running along with auto-exercise detection so that no workout goes unrecorded. The watch also includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring with high or low heart rate alerts to keep users in their target heart rate training zones. The Active Zone Minutes motivates users to stay in their own target heart rate zones, enhancing the effectiveness of workouts. Fitbit Daily Readiness Score which is included with the additional six-month Premium membership makes personalized suggestions to train harder or take a rest day based on recovery. Combined with the Cardio Fitness Score (VO2 Max), the user can utilize these and optimize training for cumulative improvements. Versa 4 also monitors blood oxygen levels at night and during high-altitude training, and skin temperature changes to detect trends that affect health. What's more, it boasts a personalized Sleep Profile, sleep stage percentage breakdowns (light, deep, and REM), and a Sleep Score to allow users to understand and improve their sleep. Its smart wake-up alarm also wakes users at the optimal point in their sleep cycle for better mornings. Furthermore, the watch also includes stress management functionality such as a daily Stress Management Score, guided breathing, and mindfulness content to promote mental well-being. In addition to fitness, the Versa 4 also seeks to improve daily life by making functions like on-wrist Bluetooth calls, text messages, and app messages possible. There is voice response and quick reply for Android users, and Fitbit Pay and Google Wallet enable effortless contactless payments. The watch is also compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice guidance and Google Maps for directions, so it's an all-around companion to workouts as well as regular activity. Battery life is great, with over six days of daily wear time per charge, which removes the frustration of frequent recharging. Combined with its light weight (about 15% lighter and 10% thinner than its predecessor), the Versa 4 is comfortable and easy to wear for prolonged use. Don't miss out, this is a deal similar to last Black Friday's one. See at Amazon
Ammon
20-05-2025
- Business
- Ammon
China's satellite navigation industry valued at $80 billion in 2024
Ammon News - By the end of last year, the overall value of satellite-enabled navigation and positioning services in China reached about 576 billion yuan ($80 billion), a 7.39 percent year-on-year increase, according to an industry white paper released on Sunday. The 2025 White Paper on the Development of China's Satellite Navigation and Positioning Industries, compiled by the Global Navigation Satellite System and Location-Based Services Association of China, said the combined output of chips, equipment, software, data and infrastructure totaled 170 billion yuan, up 5.46 percent from the previous year. In 2024, about 410 million terminal devices equipped with satellite-based navigation and positioning functions were sold in China, including roughly 294 million smartphones and more than 20 million vehicle-mounted devices. By the end of the year, over 2 billion devices — such as smartphones and computers — on the Chinese mainland were capable of using China's Beidou navigation and positioning service. Nearly 1 million people are employed at about 20,000 domestic institutes and companies engaged in Beidou and other satellite-based navigation and positioning services, according to the white paper. Beidou is one of China's largest civilian satellite systems and one of four global navigation networks, along with the United States' GPS, Russia's GLONASS and the European Union's Galileo. Since 2000, a total of 64 Beidou satellites have been launched aboard 47 Long March 3-series rockets from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. The system was declared complete in July 2020 and has been providing full-scale global services since then.
NDTV
19-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
China's BeiDou, A GPS Rival, Powers Over 1 Trillion Daily Location Checks
Quick Reads Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. China's BeiDou satellite system processes over 1 trillion location checks daily, powering its tech-driven economy and supporting 288 million smartphones. Competing with GPS and others, it serves over 120 countries and generated 575.8 billion yuan in 2024. China's BeiDou satellite system is now powering billions of location checks daily and backing a growing chunk of the country's tech-driven economy, new data shows. Named after the seven northern stars used for ancient navigation, the homegrown BeiDou network is compatible with 288 million smartphones across China, mainly from domestic brands like Huawei and Xiaomi. It processes more than 1 trillion location checks every day. BeiDou was designed to compete with the US GPS (Global Positioning System), Russia's GLONASS, and the European Union's Galileo navigation systems. Launched 30 years ago with its first satellite, BeiDou has grown into a major player in global navigation. In 2024, it generated an economic output of 575.8 billion yuan (about Rs 6.65 lakh crore), marking a 7.39 per cent increase over the previous year, the GNSS and LBS Association of China reported on Sunday. Started in the 1990s, the BeiDou system now powers everything from military operations and drones to smartphone navigation and disaster response. It includes around 30 satellites, offering global coverage since 2018. The network is already being used in over 120 countries, including Pakistan and Thailand. To meet growing demand, BeiDou is now compatible not just with phones and car systems but also with wearables, drones, electric bikes, and even robots, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency. "America's GPS in China is now either not supported on some domestically made devices or deliberately not used due to security reasons, especially when a government agency, state-owned enterprise or military unit needs navigation services or extra-precise mapping," said an academic at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, as per The South China Morning Post. BeiDou is also upgrading its coverage and improving signal speed, while GPS faces tighter controls in China due to national security concerns. Leading apps like Baidu Maps and Amap said they relied on BeiDou to guide users through a combined 4 billion km of travel daily. "Foreign companies face certain restrictions on collecting high-precision mapping data in China, but many smartphones like iPhones support both GPS and BeiDou, automatically selecting the best signal," he added.
