Space News Mission Log — Satellite Launches, Orbital Events & Analysis
Daily space news, satellite launch reports, orbital debris analysis and weekly roundups — grounded in live tracking data from our network monitoring 149 published reports.
Understanding Low Earth Orbit: The Busiest Region in Space
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is the most congested region in space, with over 18,000 active satellites and a significant amount of debris.
Unveiling Earth's Mysterious Superplumes: A Deep Dive
Earth's superplumes, vast structures deep within the planet, may hold clues to ancient cosmic collisions and current volcanic activity.
Satellite Spotlight: Aqua — Tracking Earth's Water Cycle from Orbit
Aqua is a satellite launched by NASA in May 2002 as part of the Earth Observing System (EOS). It is specifically designed to collect data on Earth's water cycle, including information on precipitation, evaporation, and the cycling of water vapour.
Satellite Imagery Explained: Understanding Earth Observation Satellites
Satellite imagery is captured by Earth observation satellites that monitor the planet from orbit, providing critical data for various applications.
Satellite Spotlight: Terra — NASA's Earth Observing System Flagship
Launched on 18 December 1999, Terra is a cornerstone of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS), serving as a vital platform for monitoring our planet's climate and environment. As a flagship satellite, Terra is equipped with a suite of five scientific instruments designed to study the interactions amon
ESA-China SMILE Mission Launches to Study Earth's Magnetosphere
The ESA-China SMILE mission has launched, aiming to deliver the first global images of Earth's magnetosphere.
Understanding Sun-Synchronous Orbits: Consistent Sunlight for Satellites
A sun-synchronous orbit allows satellites to maintain consistent sunlight exposure, crucial for imaging and Earth observation tasks.
Saturn's Night: A Celestial Dance Captured by Cassini
Cassini's final images reveal Saturn's night side and rings, a view impossible from Earth, showcasing the spacecraft's legacy.
Geostationary Orbit: How Satellites Hover Over One Spot
Geostationary orbit allows satellites to remain fixed over a single Earth location, crucial for communications and weather monitoring.
Vanguard 1: The Oldest Satellite Still in Orbit
Launched on 17 March 1958, Vanguard 1 holds the distinction of being the oldest human-made satellite still in orbit. It was part of the United States' Vanguard project, a programme initiated by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to study Earth's atmosphere.
Space Weather Effects: Understanding Solar Storms and Their Impact
Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by the Sun, impacting satellites, communication systems, and Earth's magnetic field.
Sentinel-6: Measuring Sea Level from Orbit
Sentinel-6 is a collaborative satellite mission between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), EUMETSAT, and NOAA, designed to measure sea level changes with unprecedented accuracy. Officially named Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, the satellite honours the former director of NASA's Earth Science Divisi