This Week in Orbit: 2026-06-07

Monday, 8 June 2026 · 2 min read · Orbital Radar

Technician inspects Space Shuttle Atlantis wing spars at Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility.

Image: NASA/KSC

Week Overview

This week, the space community's attention was drawn to NASA's strategic decisions and operational challenges. The agency is set to select a new headquarters by the end of the year, a move that underscores its evolving administrative needs. Concurrently, NASA expressed interest in reboosting the Hubble Space Telescope, contingent upon cost reductions. The International Space Station (ISS) experienced operational turbulence as five crew members sought temporary shelter due to an air leak in the Russian segment. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the ageing infrastructure of the ISS. Meanwhile, NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission continues its preparatory research on Earth, ensuring readiness for its ambitious lunar objectives. For more detailed information on NASA's projects, refer to our Space Agencies directory.

Launch Activity

Blue Origin's NG-2 rocket launches NASA's ESCAPADE mission into space. — NASA's ESCAPADE Launch on Blue Origin's NG-2 · Image: NASA/KSC

This week saw a lull in launch activities with no new launches recorded. However, Blue Origin remains in the spotlight as it navigates the aftermath of a New Glenn anomaly. The company is maintaining its focus on the upcoming Blue Moon lunar lander and Mars missions. These developments are pivotal as they reflect the broader commercial space race dynamics. For a comprehensive schedule of upcoming launches, visit the Orbital Radar Launch Schedule.

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Orbital Events

Astrobee robots perform maneuvers during ROAM Operations Session 2 inside the International Space Station. — Astrobee ROAM Operations Session 2 · Image: NASA/JSC

A series of orbital anomalies were noted this week, with significant changes in the argument of perigee for multiple debris objects including FENGYUN 1C DEB and IRIDIUM 33 DEB. Such changes can indicate potential manoeuvres or updates in orbital elements. Additionally, the RAAN (Right Ascension of Ascending Node) shift for NIMIQ 5 suggests possible plane changes. Monitoring these anomalies is crucial for maintaining space situational awareness. The Orbital Radar Debris Map offers a detailed view of these and other orbital events.

Space Weather

Space weather data was unavailable this week, leaving a gap in our understanding of solar and geomagnetic activity. Historically, space weather can significantly impact satellite operations and communications. For those interested in tracking space weather developments, the Orbital Radar Space Academy provides educational resources on the subject.

Notable Satellites

As of this week, there are 17,865 active satellites orbiting Earth, with Starlink contributing 10,501 to this total. Of these, 9,236 are operational, while others are in various stages of orbit adjustment or deorbiting. This proliferation of satellites underscores the growing reliance on space-based infrastructure. For detailed satellite information, consult the Orbital Radar Satellite Library.

Looking Ahead

Hubble Space Telescope orbits Earth, capturing detailed images of distant galaxies and stars. — Hubble Space Telescope · Image: NASA/GSFC

NASA's continued interest in the Hubble reboost and the Artemis II mission preparations signal a robust agenda for the coming months. Additionally, Leaf Space's partnership with D-Orbit and EnduroSat to test connectivity services marks a step forward in satellite communication capabilities. These developments are indicative of a dynamic future in space exploration and technology. For updates on future missions and innovations, keep an eye on Orbital Radar's Space Agencies directory.