There were few places on Earth that launched rockets to outer space at the start of the U.S. and Russian space programs. There are more now.

We've documented those space launch facilities that have launched rockets with payloads that achieved orbit or sent payloads beyond Earth. This eliminates many launch facilities that only launch sub-orbital sounding rockets. It also eliminates ballistic missiles with warheads.

Also not included are the launches from submarines, which were rare.