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 76 published reports.
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
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.
Close Approach of TIANHUI Satellites Highlights Conjunction Risks
On 4 May 2026, at 12:08 UTC, two Chinese Earth observation satellites, TIANHUI 2-01A (NORAD ID: 44207) and TIANHUI 2-01B (NORAD ID: 44209), experienced a close approach in orbit. The satellites passed within approximately 1.94 kilometres of each other.
The Dance of Satellites: A Modern Celestial Ballet
Discover the intricate dance of 17,817 active satellites orbiting Earth, including 10,479 Starlink units, in a vast celestial ballet.
Recent Space Launch Roundup: A Quiet 48 Hours
In the past 48 hours, the global space launch calendar has seen an unusual lull, with no launches recorded from any major spacefaring nation. This pause follows a period of intense activity, where agencies and private companies have been pushing the boundaries of satellite deployment, crewed mission
The Expanding Universe: Insights from Space
Delve into the science of satellite orbits and the effects of microgravity on astronauts, with insights from the latest data.
How Many Satellites Are in Orbit: A Comprehensive Guide
As of 2026, there are 17,907 active satellites in orbit, with a total of 28,248 catalogued objects including debris.
NASA vs ESA vs CNSA: Comparing the World's Leading Space Agencies
NASA, ESA, and CNSA are the leading space agencies shaping global space exploration. This article compares their missions, budgets, and achievements.
Orbital Mechanics Explained: How Satellites Stay in Orbit
Orbital mechanics govern how satellites remain in orbit, balancing gravitational forces and velocity to maintain stable paths.
Tracking Deep Space Probes: Voyager, JWST, and Beyond
Discover how the Orbital Radar deep space probe tracker monitors humanity's most distant spacecraft, including Voyager and JWST.
Unveiling Charon: Pluto's Enigmatic Companion
Charon, Pluto's largest moon, reveals its complex surface and intriguing polar region in this enhanced image from New Horizons.