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.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-06-21
This week, the space community has been abuzz with discussions on a mysterious gamma-ray stream emanating from the Milky Way's centre, potentially linked to dark matter. Meanwhile, NASA is advancing its lunar and Martian rover capabilities, a crucial step towards future exploration missions.
SOHO: The Sun-Watching Observatory at L1
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, commonly known as SOHO, is a collaborative project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Launched on 2 December 1995, SOHO has been instrumental in providing continuous observations of the Sun.
Unleashing the Sun: Understanding Coronal Mass Ejections
The Solar Dynamics Observatory captures a coronal mass ejection, illustrating the Sun's dynamic magnetic fields and their impact on Earth.
Understanding Kessler Syndrome: Space Debris Chain Reaction
Kessler Syndrome describes a scenario where space debris collisions create a self-sustaining cascade, threatening orbital operations.
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.
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.
Auroral Wonder: A Celestial Dance Captured from Orbit
A vivid aurora photographed from the ISS showcases the interplay of atmospheric particles and solar winds, creating a luminous spectacle.
Comet R3 PanSTARRS Meets Orion: A Celestial Encounter
A stunning composite image captures Comet R3 PanSTARRS alongside the Orion Nebula, offering insights into both ancient and new celestial phenomena.
GOES-18: Geostationary Weather Sentinel
GOES-18 is part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) programme operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As a geostationary satellite, it is positioned to provide continuous weather monitoring over the Western Hemisphere.
Fengyun-1C Debris: Legacy of the 2007 ASAT Test
Fengyun-1C was a Chinese weather satellite, part of the Fengyun (FY) series operated by the China Meteorological Administration. Launched on 10 May 1999, it was designed to monitor weather patterns and collect atmospheric data.
The Dance of Satellites: A Modern Celestial Ballet
Discover the intricate dance of 17,817 active satellites orbiting Earth, including 10,479 Starlink units, in a vast celestial ballet.
Parker Solar Probe: Touching the Sun
Launched on 12 August 2018, the Parker Solar Probe is a NASA mission designed to study the outer corona of the Sun. Named after solar astrophysicist Eugene Parker, the probe is the first spacecraft to fly into the Sun's atmosphere, providing unprecedented data about solar activity and its effects on