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 176 published reports.
Ukrainian Forces Leverage Satellite Imagery for Tactical Edge
Ukrainian forces test direct-to-device satellite imagery, enhancing tactical operations. Multiple close satellite approaches recorded.
Satellite Rescue Mission and Canadarm2 Repairs Highlight Busy Week in Orbit
A satellite rescue mission and Canadarm2 repairs are key highlights, alongside close orbital encounters and a pulsar record.
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 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: GLONASS-K — Russia's Navigation Satellites
GLONASS-K is the third generation of Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), designed to provide accurate positioning and timing information globally. Unlike its predecessors, GLONASS-K satellites are equipped with a new range of technologies, including a third civil signal and an ext
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.
NOAA-19: The Last of the POES Weather Satellites
NOAA-19, also known as NOAA-N Prime, is a weather satellite operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is the last satellite in the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) series, which provides critical data for weather forecasting and climate research.
SpaceX AI Satellites: Pioneering Autonomous Space Operations
SpaceX's AI satellites are revolutionising autonomous space operations by enhancing satellite communication and navigation capabilities.
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 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.
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.
Understanding TLEs: The Backbone of Satellite Tracking
A TLE, or Two-Line Element Set, is a data format used to convey satellite orbital parameters, crucial for predicting satellite positions.