Did You Know? #51

How many countries have launched space missions?

12 or 13 depending on how you define a country.  Russia (including the former Soviet Union), United States, France, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Germany, India, Israel, Iran, North Korea and South Korea have successfully launched space craft or rockets.  The 13th entry is the European Space Agency.  Only three nations have launched manned space missions: Russia, United States and China.