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 31 published reports.
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
GLONASS-K: Russia's Advanced Navigation Satellites
GLONASS-K is the latest generation of Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), designed to provide precise positioning and timing services globally. The GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) programme is Russia's counterpart to the United States' GPS and the European Union's Galile
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
GPS vs Galileo vs GLONASS vs BeiDou: Comparing Global Navigation Systems
GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou are global navigation satellite systems offering varying coverage, accuracy, and features.
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 services. Officially completed in 2020, BeiDou-3 marks China's entry into the elite group of countries providing global satellite navigation, alongside the United States' GPS,
Military Satellites: Comprehensive Guide to Their Role and Function
Military satellites are spacecraft used for defence and intelligence. They play crucial roles in communication, navigation, and surveillance.
SpaceX AI Satellites: Pioneering Autonomous Space Operations
SpaceX's AI satellites are revolutionising autonomous space operations by enhancing satellite communication and navigation capabilities.
Galileo FOC: Europe's Navigation Constellation
Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) is the European Union's global navigation satellite system, designed to provide highly accurate positioning data worldwide. Unlike the United States' GPS or Russia's GLONASS, Galileo is a civilian-controlled system, managed by the European Union Agency for t
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.
GPS IIR-11: The Backbone of Global Navigation
GPS IIR-11, also known as USA-158, is part of the Block IIR series of GPS satellites, which were designed to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Launched on 31 March 2003, GPS IIR-11 (NORAD ID: 27704) is one of the 21 Block IIR satellites that were built by L
Mars Storms and Satellite Close Calls Dominate Space News
Electrically charged storms on Mars pose challenges for future missions, while Earth satellites face close approaches.
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.