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 189 published reports.
ESA and JAXA Finalize Apophis Mission Amid Orbital Close Calls
ESA and JAXA have finalized a mission to asteroid Apophis. Meanwhile, Starlink satellites experience a close approach.
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.
Understanding Satellite Orbits: LEO, MEO, GEO and Beyond
Satellite orbits like LEO, MEO, and GEO define how satellites move in space. Each type serves unique purposes and has distinct characteristics.
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.
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.
Understanding Apogee and Perigee: Highs and Lows of Orbits
Apogee and perigee are the highest and lowest points in an orbit, crucial for understanding satellite paths and operations.
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.
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.
Comprehensive Guide to Orbital Radar's Satellite Directory
Discover how to use Orbital Radar's Satellite Directory for efficient satellite database searches, tracking 17,926 active satellites.
Vanguard 1: The Oldest Satellite Still in Orbit
Vanguard 1, launched on 17 March 1958, holds the distinction of being the oldest human-made satellite still in orbit. It was part of the United States' response to the Soviet Union's Sputnik programme, marking a significant milestone in the early space race.
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.
Starlink: The Mega-Constellation Reshaping Orbit
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed internet access across the globe, particularly in underserved and remote areas. The project aims to deploy a vast network of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to create a mesh network capable of