This Week in Orbit: 2026-05-10

Saturday, 16 May 2026 · 2 min read · Orbital Radar

The Moon illuminates the towering SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B.

Image: NASA/MSFC

This week, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have finalised an agreement for a collaborative mission to the asteroid Apophis. This mission aims to study the asteroid's composition and trajectory, which will provide valuable data for planetary defence strategies. In other developments, MDA Space is progressing with its work on the robotic arm for NASA's Lunar Gateway, a key component of the Artemis programme. Meanwhile, Viasat has secured a $307 million contract with the US Marine Corps to enhance satellite communications capabilities.

This week saw no new launches, marking a quiet period in terms of new additions to the orbital catalogue. However, preparations continue for upcoming missions, including the 12th Full Stack Flight, which is awaiting a new date for its Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR). This test is a critical step in ensuring the readiness of the launch vehicle and its systems. For those interested in tracking future launches, the Orbital Radar launch schedule offers detailed information on upcoming missions.

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Several orbital anomalies were detected this week, including notable changes in the argument of perigee for several objects such as LANDSAT 5 and various COSMOS debris. These changes, which include a Δ of approximately 3.88° for LANDSAT 5, could indicate potential manoeuvres or updates to orbital elements. Such events are closely monitored to ensure the accuracy of orbital data, which can be explored further on the Orbital Radar anomaly tracker.

Unfortunately, space weather data was unavailable this week, leaving a gap in our understanding of solar activity's impact on satellite operations. Typically, space weather can influence satellite communications and navigation systems, making it a critical area of study. For the latest updates when available, the Orbital Radar space weather page provides comprehensive insights into solar events and their potential effects on space-based assets.

Psyche spacecraft stands ready on the launch pad, poised for its upcoming mission into space. — Psyche on the Launch Pad · Image: NASA/HQ

NASA's Psyche mission has captured images of Mars during its gravity assist approach, a manoeuvre designed to increase its velocity for the journey to the asteroid belt. This mission aims to study the metal-rich asteroid Psyche, offering insights into planetary formation. Additionally, the Swift reboost mission has successfully completed environmental tests, paving the way for its operational deployment. Detailed tracking of these and other missions can be found on the Orbital Radar satellite tracker.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 team conducts a detailed final launch operations rehearsal at the launch site. — NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 Final Launch Operations Rehearsal · Image: NASA/HQ

As we look to the future, NASA and industry partners are advancing high-performance spaceflight computing technologies, which promise to enhance the capabilities of future missions. Brian Hughes has returned to NASA to oversee launch operations at Kennedy and Wallops, bringing experience and leadership to these critical facilities. For those interested in the trajectory of space exploration, the Orbital Radar future missions page offers a glimpse into upcoming projects and technological advancements.