Satellite Encyclopedia In-depth profiles of notable satellites — from Vanguard 1 to Starlink.
Tracking 18 published posts in this series.
Satellite Spotlight: GLONASS-K — Russia's Navigation Satellites
GLONASS-K is the third generation of Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), designed to provide accurate positioning and timing information globally. Unlike its predecessors, GLONASS-K satellites are equipped with a new range of technologies, including a third civil signal and an ext
BeiDou-3: China's Global Navigation System
The BeiDou-3 system is the third generation of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which provides global navigation services. Officially completed in June 2020, BeiDou-3 is designed to offer precise positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide.
Satellite Spotlight: BeiDou-3 — China's Global Navigation System
BeiDou-3 is the third generation of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), designed to provide global navigation and positioning services. Officially completed in 2020, BeiDou-3 represents a significant advancement over its predecessors, BeiDou-1 and BeiDou-2, expanding coverage from regi
ISS: 25+ Years of Continuous Human Presence
The International Space Station (ISS) is a habitable space station that serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory. It is a joint project involving five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
TDRS: NASA's Data Relay Network in Geostationary Orbit
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system is a network of American communications satellites operated by NASA. Designed to support space missions by providing continuous data relay services, TDRS satellites are crucial for maintaining near-constant communication with spacecraft in low Eart
Starlink: The Mega-Constellation Reshaping Orbit
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed internet access across the globe, particularly in underserved and remote areas. The project aims to deploy a vast network of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to create a mesh network capable of
James Webb Space Telescope at L2
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory optimised for infrared astronomy. Launched on 25 December 2021 aboard an Ariane 5 rocket, JWST is a collaborative project involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
GPS IIR-11: The Backbone of Global Navigation
GPS IIR-11, also known as USA-158, is part of the Block IIR series of GPS satellites, which were designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Launched on 31 March 2003, GPS IIR-11 (NORAD ID: 27704) is one of the 21 Block IIR satellites that were built by L
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 and Its Debris Field
COSMOS 1408, a Soviet-era satellite, has gained notoriety not for its original mission, but for its role in a 2021 anti-satellite (ASAT) test conducted by Russia. Launched on 16 September 1982, COSMOS 1408 was part of the Tselina-D series, designed for electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering.
COSMOS 1408 and the 2021 Russian ASAT Test Debris Field
COSMOS 1408, a defunct Soviet-era satellite, became the focal point of global attention following a Russian anti-satellite (ASAT) test on 15 November 2021. Originally launched on 16 September 1982, COSMOS 1408 was part of the Tselina-D electronic intelligence satellite series.
NOAA-19: The Last of the POES Weather Satellites
NOAA-19, also known as NOAA-N Prime, is a weather satellite operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is the last satellite in the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) series, which provides critical data for weather forecasting and climate research.
Iridium NEXT: The Flash-Free Replacement Constellation
Iridium NEXT is a satellite constellation developed by Iridium Communications to replace its original satellite network. The constellation consists of 66 active satellites, with additional spares in orbit, designed to provide global voice and data communication services.
GOES-18: Geostationary Weather Sentinel
GOES-18 is part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) programme operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a geostationary satellite, it is positioned to provide continuous weather monitoring over the Western Hemisphere.
Starlink: The Mega-Constellation Reshaping Orbit
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The primary objective of Starlink is to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access across the globe, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
OneWeb — The UK's Broadband Constellation
OneWeb is a satellite constellation designed to provide global broadband internet coverage. Initiated by the British company OneWeb Ltd., the project aims to bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions.
Fengyun-1C Debris: Legacy of the 2007 ASAT Test
Fengyun-1C was a Chinese weather satellite, part of the Fengyun (FY) series operated by the China Meteorological Administration. Launched on 10 May 1999, it was designed to monitor weather patterns and collect atmospheric data.
Vanguard 1: The Oldest Satellite Still in Orbit
Vanguard 1, launched on 17 March 1958, holds the distinction of being the oldest human-made satellite still in orbit. It was part of the United States' response to the Soviet Union's Sputnik programme, marking a significant milestone in the early space race.
