Daily Orbital Briefings Daily space intelligence briefings from the Orbital Radar newsroom.
Tracking 154 published posts in this series.
Falcon Heavy Launches U.S. Spy Satellite Amid ISS Crew Rotation
Falcon Heavy successfully launched a U.S. spy satellite, while Crew-13 arrived at the ISS as Crew-12 prepared to depart. Key orbital events for 2 October 2026.
NASA and SpaceX Prepare for Crewed ISS Mission
NASA and SpaceX are set to launch the next crewed mission to the ISS. Meanwhile, 10 astronauts are currently in space.
Close Approaches and Crew-13 Mission Highlight Space Activity
Close satellite approaches and Crew-13's upcoming launch to the ISS are key highlights in today's space news.
Boeing Starliner Crewed Flight Delayed Until 2028
Boeing's next crewed Starliner flight is postponed to 2028, impacting ISS crew rotations. Satellite close approaches monitored.
SpaceX to Launch First Starlink V3 Satellites on Starship
SpaceX is set to launch the first Starlink V3 satellites on Starship. Tianhui satellites' close approaches highlight orbital congestion.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Classified Mission for U.S. Space Force
SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force. JWST observes Chariklo's ring dynamics. Close approaches monitored in orbit.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Set for Classified Launch on 26 September 2026
SpaceX Falcon 9 is scheduled to launch a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force today. The Starlink network now has 9,940 active satellites.
Starship Prepares for First Orbital Flight on 24 September 2026
SpaceX's Starship prepares for its first orbital flight, with Ship 41 and Booster 21 undergoing key pre-flight tests. JUICE mission to swing by Earth on 28 September.
First Diagnostic X-Rays in Space: A Milestone for Astronaut Health
The first diagnostic X-rays in space have been conducted, marking a significant advancement in astronaut health management and long-duration mission planning.
SpaceX's Starship Readies for First Orbital Launch
SpaceX's Starship is set for its first orbital launch with the Super Heavy booster now at the pad. Orbital Radar monitors close satellite approaches.
LRO Uncovers New Lunar Crater with Thermal Anomalies
LRO has identified a new lunar crater with intriguing thermal emissions, while close satellite approaches continue to be monitored.
SpaceX Expands Starlink Network with 27 New Satellites
SpaceX successfully launched 27 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, increasing the operational Starlink network to 9,835 units.
China Advances Mars Sample Return Plans Amid Close Satellite Encounters
China progresses its Mars sample return mission plans, while satellite close approaches highlight ongoing orbital congestion.
NASA Awards Launch for StarBurst Gamma-Ray Detector
NASA has awarded launch services for the StarBurst Gamma-Ray Detector, a significant step for gamma-ray astronomy. Starlink satellites continue to experience close approaches.
Space Weather and Close Approaches Mark 17 September 2026
Today's space weather is calm, but several Starlink satellites are experiencing close approaches. No launches are scheduled.
Starship Prepares for First Orbital Flight Next Week
SpaceX's Starship is set for its first orbital flight attempt next week, while Progress MS-35 prepares for launch to the ISS today.
US Military Confirms Space Weapons Deployment
The US military has confirmed the deployment of space weapons, marking a significant development in orbital defence.
SpaceX Marks 700th Falcon Launch with Telecom Trio
SpaceX's Falcon 9 achieves its 700th launch, ESA's Vega C readies for dual mission, and Mercury's tectonic history is re-evaluated.
Hayabusa2's Laser Success and Starlink Manoeuvres
Japan's Hayabusa2 completes a pioneering laser ranging experiment with an asteroid. Starlink satellites adjust orbits, and space weather remains stable.
Close Satellite Approaches and Starlink's Expanding Fleet
Today's orbital briefing highlights several close approaches between satellites, the continued expansion of the Starlink constellation, and a stable space weather outlook.