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 335 published reports.
GPS IIR-11: The Backbone of Global Navigation
GPS IIR-11, also known by its NORAD ID 26407, is a satellite in the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation, which provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on Earth. Launched on 6 November 2004, it is part of the Block IIR series, which comprises 21 satellites desig
Unveiling the Mysteries of a Fire Rainbow Over West Virginia
Explore the captivating fire rainbow over West Virginia, a rare atmospheric phenomenon caused by ice crystals in cirrus clouds refracting sunlight.
This Week in Orbit
This week, the James Webb Space Telescope revealed a warped structure within the protoplanetary disk of TW Hydrae, a nearby star system, providing new insights into planet formation processes. Meanwhile, the U.S.
Webb Telescope Unveils TW Hydrae's Protoplanetary Disk Secrets
The Webb Telescope has revealed a warped structure in TW Hydrae's protoplanetary disk, offering insights into planetary formation.
The Buck Moon and Earth's Shadow Dance Over Croatia
The Buck Moon rises over Croatia, casting a shadow and unveiling the Belt of Venus, a celestial marvel captured in a stunning skyscape.
China's Secretive Launch and Starliner Cargo Plans for 2026
China's TJS-27 satellites launch alongside a Tianlian relay. Starliner plans ISS cargo run. Close satellite approaches monitored.
Unveiling the Dark Doodad: A Celestial Silhouette
The Dark Doodad Nebula and NGC 4372 star cluster offer a stunning view in Musca, revealing interstellar dynamics.
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 and the 2021 Russian ASAT Test Debris Field
COSMOS 1408, a Soviet-era satellite, was launched on 16 September 1982. It was part of the Tselina-D series, designed for electronic intelligence (ELINT) purposes.
The Artemis Program: NASA's Ambitious Return to the Moon
NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024, establishing a sustainable presence for future exploration.
Starship Spotted by Starlink: A New Era of Space Observation
SpaceX's Starship was observed by a Starlink satellite, highlighting the integration of commercial space assets.
NOAA-19: The Last of the POES Weather Satellites
NOAA-19, also known by its NORAD ID 33591, is the last satellite in the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) series. Launched on 6 February 2009, it serves as a key component in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) mission to monitor weather patterns and environm
Tracking Voyager 1 and 2: Humanity's Most Distant Machines
Voyager 1 and 2 are the farthest human-made objects, now in interstellar space. Learn how they are tracked and their current locations.