This Week in Orbit

Monday, 15 June 2026 · 2 min read · Orbital Radar

NASA's Pandora satellite launching into space aboard a SpaceX rocket under a clear blue sky.

Image: NASA/KSC

Week Overview

This week saw significant developments in the space sector, highlighted by SpaceX's historic initial public offering (IPO), which resulted in a nearly 20% rise in its share value. Meanwhile, NASA is refining its Artemis lunar lander plans, a critical component of its programme to return humans to the Moon. In China, the debut of the country's tallest rocket marks a milestone in their expanding space capabilities. However, the push for missile production is encountering challenges due to a bottleneck in solid rocket motor supply. Additionally, astronomers have raised concerns over potential interference from orbital data centres, which could impact astronomical observations.

Launch Activity

This week, there were no new launches recorded. However, significant progress was made in preparation for future missions. SpaceX's Booster 20 completed a cryogenic test, while Ship 40 is nearing a static fire test. These developments are crucial steps in SpaceX's ongoing efforts to enhance its launch capabilities. China's recent successful debut of its tallest rocket also underscores the country's growing presence in space exploration. For upcoming launches, the Orbital Radar Launch Schedule provides detailed insights into planned missions.

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Orbital Events

Aerial view of the International Space Station orbiting Earth with solar panels extended. — 736C7599.NEF · Image: NASA/JSC

A series of close approaches between satellites were tracked this week, with the narrowest being between TERRA SAR X and TANDEM X, at a minimum distance of approximately 0.73 km. Other notable close approaches involved pairs of TIANHUI and SUPERVIEW NEO-2 satellites. These events highlight the increasing congestion in low Earth orbit, necessitating vigilant monitoring to prevent potential collisions. The Orbital Radar Debris Map is an essential tool for visualising these close encounters and understanding the dynamics of space debris.

Space Weather

Unfortunately, detailed space weather data was unavailable this week. Space weather can significantly impact satellite operations and communications, making its monitoring vital for space agencies and operators. The Orbital Radar Space Academy offers resources to understand space weather phenomena and their implications for orbital operations.

Notable Satellites

As of this week, there are 17,932 active satellites in orbit, with Starlink accounting for a significant portion, totalling 10,549. Of these, 9,275 are operational, 991 are raising their orbits, and 283 are in the process of deorbiting. The Starlink Tracker on Orbital Radar provides real-time updates on the status and movements of these satellites, offering insights into their operational status and coverage areas.

Looking Ahead

As the space sector continues to evolve, upcoming developments include further tests and launches by SpaceX, as well as ongoing adjustments to NASA's Artemis programme. The Orbital Radar Launch Schedule is an excellent resource for staying informed about future missions and their objectives. Additionally, the potential impact of orbital data centres on astronomy will likely be a topic of continued discussion and analysis.