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 13 published reports.
Understanding Satellite Re-entry: Processes and Implications
Satellite re-entry involves the descent of a satellite into Earth's atmosphere, often resulting in its disintegration. Learn about the processes and implications.
Understanding Satellite Re-entry: Processes and Implications
Satellite re-entry involves a spacecraft's return to Earth, governed by atmospheric drag and orbital decay, impacting space debris management.
Understanding Orbital Decay: Why Satellites Fall to Earth
Orbital decay occurs when a satellite's orbit decreases over time due to atmospheric drag and gravitational forces, eventually leading to re-entry.
NASA Considers Hubble Reboost Amid ISS Challenges
NASA explores cost-effective options for a Hubble reboost as ISS faces air leak challenges. Blue Origin focuses on future missions.
Orbital Launch Roundup: A Quiet 48 Hours
In an unusual lull, the past 48 hours have seen no new orbital launches. This pause comes amidst a year that has otherwise been marked by a high frequency of launches, driven in part by the rapid deployment of satellite constellations such as SpaceX's Starlink.
Close Approach Alert: Objects B and C Near Miss in Orbit
A close approach between two space objects, designated as OBJECT B and OBJECT C, occurred on 30 June 2026 at 00:30 UTC. The minimum distance between the two was approximately 1.37 kilometres, which is considered a medium-severity conjunction.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-06-28
This week in orbit, a 12-billion-year-old interstellar comet, older than our solar system, captured the attention of astronomers. Meanwhile, SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from California, contributing to the constellation's expansion.
Understanding Kessler Syndrome: Space Debris Chain Reaction
Kessler Syndrome describes a scenario where space debris collisions create a self-sustaining cascade, threatening orbital operations.
Close Approach of QIANFAN Satellites: Assessing the Risks and Implications
On 12 June 2026, two satellites from the QIANFAN series, QIANFAN-169 (NORAD ID: 69386) and QIANFAN-182 (NORAD ID: 69399), experienced a close approach event. The minimum predicted distance between the two satellites was approximately 1.67 kilometres.
Close Conjunction of INTELSAT 1002 and MEV-2
On June 15, 2026, at 10:17 UTC, a close approach event is anticipated between INTELSAT 1002 (NORAD ID: 28358) and MEV-2 (NORAD ID: 46113). The predicted minimum separation distance is approximately 0.00 km, indicating a potential collision risk.
Space Debris: Understanding the Growing Threat in Orbit
Space debris refers to defunct human-made objects in orbit that pose collision risks to spacecraft and satellites.
Graveyard Orbits: Final Resting Place for Satellites
Graveyard orbits are designated zones where inactive satellites are moved to minimise space debris. Discover their importance and function.