This Week in Orbit: 2026-05-17

Monday, 18 May 2026 · 2 min read · Orbital Radar

JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer #11 (J-SSOD #11) micro-satellite deployment mission

Image: NASA/JSC

This week saw significant developments in space exploration and satellite operations. NASA has released the final Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new Mars communications orbiter, a step forward in supporting future Mars missions. Meanwhile, Artemis III continues its preparation for a key Human Landing System (HLS) test, marking a critical phase in NASA's lunar exploration programme. The Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $398 million contract for satellite development, underscoring the ongoing investment in space defence capabilities. Additionally, the European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing the Smile mission for space, focusing on solar-terrestrial interactions.

SpaceX successfully launched the CRS-34 cargo mission to the International Space Station (ISS), carrying scientific experiments and supplies. This mission, designated CRS-34, is part of NASA's Commercial Resupply Services programme, which ensures the continuous delivery of essential materials to the ISS. The launch was conducted using a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Notably, there were no other launches this week, making CRS-34 a focal point of recent launch activities. Details of upcoming launches can be tracked using the Orbital Radar launch schedule.

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Digital clock display showing leap second adjustment by NASA to synchronize timekeeping. — NASA Adds Leap Second to Master Clock · Image: NASA/GSFC

A series of close approaches between satellites were recorded this week, highlighting the crowded nature of Earth's orbital environment. Notable among these was the near encounter between BADR-5 (ARABSAT 5B) and BADR 7, with a minimum distance of just 0.08 km. Other significant close approaches included COSMOS 2605 and COSMOS 2608, as well as several TIANHUI satellites. These events underscore the importance of collision avoidance strategies, which can be explored further on the Orbital Radar collision avoidance page.

Space weather data was unavailable this week, preventing detailed analysis of solar activity and its potential impacts on satellite operations. Typically, space weather can influence satellite communications, navigation systems, and even power grids on Earth. For regular updates and forecasts, the Orbital Radar space weather page provides comprehensive insights into current conditions and predictions.

NASA's Aqua Satellite capturing image of Super Typhoon Vongfong swirling over the ocean. — NASA's Aqua Satellite Tracking Super Typhoon Vongfong · Image: NASA/GSFC

The tracking data indicates a total of 28,411 objects currently catalogued in Earth's orbit, including 17,013 payloads and 8,853 pieces of debris. Notably, the presence of over 2,500 debris objects highlights the ongoing challenge of space debris management. The Orbital Radar satellite tracker offers detailed information on active satellites and debris, helping users monitor specific objects of interest.

As we look to the coming weeks, the space community anticipates further developments in the Artemis programme and the potential launch of new satellites. The proposed telco-led D2D joint venture aims to challenge Starlink Mobile, indicating a competitive landscape in satellite communications. For insights into future missions and satellite launches, the Orbital Radar upcoming missions page provides a comprehensive overview.