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 10 published reports.
Understanding Sun-Synchronous Orbits: Consistent Sunlight for Satellites
A sun-synchronous orbit allows satellites to maintain consistent sunlight exposure, crucial for imaging and Earth observation tasks.
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.
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 and Its Debris Field
COSMOS 1408, a Soviet-era satellite, has gained notoriety not for its original mission, but for its role in a 2021 anti-satellite (ASAT) test conducted by Russia. Launched on 16 September 1982, COSMOS 1408 was part of the Tselina-D series, designed for electronic intelligence (ELINT) gathering.
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.
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: 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 Spotlight: Aqua — Tracking Earth's Water Cycle from Orbit
Aqua is a satellite launched by NASA in May 2002 as part of the Earth Observing System (EOS). It is specifically designed to collect data on Earth's water cycle, including information on precipitation, evaporation, and the cycling of water vapour.
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.
SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches South Korean Satellite Amidst Close Orbital Encounters
SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully launched a South Korean satellite and 45 rideshare payloads, as close orbital approaches highlight space congestion.
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.