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 16 published reports.
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.
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.
SpaceX Starlink Launch and Astrobotic's Strategic Sale
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, while Astrobotic's sale to Voyager promises expansion.
Chandra X-ray Observatory: Unveiling the High-Energy Universe
The Chandra X-ray Observatory is a flagship mission of NASA dedicated to observing X-rays from high-energy regions of the universe, such as the remnants of exploded stars. Launched on 23 July 1999 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-93), Chandra is one of NASA's Great Observatories, alongside the
This Week in Orbit: 2026-06-07
This week, the space community's attention was drawn to NASA's strategic decisions and operational challenges. The agency is set to select a new headquarters by the end of the year, a move that underscores its evolving administrative needs.
NASA Concludes MAVEN Mission, Discovers Atmospheric Phenomenon
NASA concludes MAVEN mission, revealing a new atmospheric phenomenon on Mars. ISS crew takes shelter due to a Russian segment air leak.
When the Moon Plays Tricks: The Blue Micromoon Phenomenon
Tonight's blue micromoon is a celestial rarity, appearing smaller and dimmer due to its apogee, and marking the second full moon this month.
Space Force Awards $398 Million Satellite Contract
The U.S. Space Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a $398 million contract for satellite development, while NASA advances its Mars communications orbiter plans.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-05-10
This week, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have finalised an agreement for a collaborative mission to the asteroid Apophis. This mission aims to study the asteroid's composition and trajectory, which will provide valuable data for planetary defence s
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.
SpaceX Launches CRS-34 Mission as ESA-China SMILE Prepares for Lift-off
SpaceX launches CRS-34 mission to the ISS, delivering science and cargo, while ESA-China's SMILE mission prepares to study Earth's magnetic shield.
Rocket Lab Expands with Robotics Acquisition Amid New Launch Deals
Rocket Lab's acquisition of a robotics company marks a strategic expansion, aligning with new launch contracts.