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 44 published reports.
Understanding Orbital Inclination: The Angles of Satellite Orbits
Orbital inclination is the angle between a satellite's orbit and the Earth's equator, crucial for mission objectives.
Satellite Spotlight: BeiDou-3 — China's Global Navigation System
BeiDou-3 is the third generation of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), designed to provide global navigation and positioning services. Officially completed in 2020, BeiDou-3 represents a significant advancement over its predecessors, BeiDou-1 and BeiDou-2, expanding coverage from regi
BeiDou-3: China's Global Navigation System
The BeiDou-3 system is the third generation of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which provides global navigation services. Officially completed in June 2020, BeiDou-3 is designed to offer precise positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide.
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.
How to Photograph Satellites: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover how to photograph satellites and the ISS with expert guidance on equipment, timing, and techniques for stunning results.
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.
Starlink: The Mega-Constellation Reshaping Orbit
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, aimed at providing high-speed broadband internet to underserved and remote areas globally. As of now, SpaceX has launched 10,698 Starlink satellites, with 9,421 currently operational.
GPS IIR-11: The Backbone of Global Navigation
GPS IIR-11, also known as USA-168, is a satellite that forms part of the Global Positioning System (GPS), a network of satellites that provides location and timing information to users around the world. Launched on 31 March 2003, GPS IIR-11 is one of the Block IIR series satellites, which are design
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.
International Space Station: 25+ Years of Continuous Human Presence
The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) that serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory. It is a joint project involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA.
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 and Its Debris Field
COSMOS 1408, a Soviet-era satellite, has gained notoriety not for its original mission, but for its role in a 2021 anti-satellite (ASAT) test conducted by Russia. Launched on 16 September 1982, COSMOS 1408 was part of the Tselina-D series, designed for electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering.
TDRS: NASA's Data Relay Network in Geostationary Orbit
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system is a network of American communications satellites operated by NASA. Designed to support space missions by providing continuous data relay services, TDRS satellites are crucial for maintaining near-constant communication with spacecraft in low Eart