Satellite Encyclopedia In-depth profiles of notable satellites — from Vanguard 1 to Starlink.
Tracking 44 published posts in this series.
Mastering ISS Transit Predictions: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover how to predict when the ISS will transit the Sun or Moon with Orbital Radar's tool, enhancing your stargazing experience.
International Space Station: 25+ Years of Continuous Human Presence
The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) that serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory. It is a joint project involving five participating space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA.
Satellite Spotlight: TDRS — NASA's Data Relay Network in GEO
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system is a network of American communications satellites operated by NASA. Designed to support space missions by providing continuous data relay services, TDRS ensures that spacecraft and satellites have a constant link to ground stations.
Starlink: The Mega-Constellation Reshaping Orbit
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX to provide satellite Internet access globally. The system is designed to deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable.
James Webb Space Telescope at L2: A New Era in Astronomy
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory designed to complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope. Launched on December 25, 2021, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket, the JWST is equipped with a 6.5-metre primary mirror, significantly larger than Hubble'
Landsat 9: Earth Observation from 705 km
Landsat 9 is the latest satellite in the Landsat programme, a joint initiative between NASA and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Launched on 27 September 2021 aboard an Atlas V rocket, Landsat 9 continues the mission of providing high-quality, medium-resolution imagery of the Earth's surf
GPS IIR-11: The Backbone of Global Navigation
GPS IIR-11, also known as USA-168, is a satellite that forms part of the Global Positioning System (GPS), a network of satellites that provides location and timing information to users around the world. Launched on 31 March 2003, GPS IIR-11 is one of the Block IIR series satellites, which are design
Tiangong: China's Permanent Space Station
Tiangong, meaning 'Heavenly Palace' in Chinese, is China's permanent space station, serving as a symbol of the nation's growing capabilities in space exploration. Officially known as the Tiangong Space Station (TSS), it is designed to support long-term human habitation and scientific research.
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 — The 2021 Russian ASAT Test Debris Field
COSMOS 1408 was a Soviet military satellite launched on 16 September 1982. It was part of the Tselina-D series, designed for electronic intelligence gathering.
NOAA-19: The Last of the POES Weather Satellites
NOAA-19, also known as NOAA-N Prime, is the final satellite in the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) series operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Launched on 6 February 2009 aboard a Delta II rocket, NOAA-19 carries a suite of instruments designed to
Hubble Space Telescope: 35+ Years of Discovery
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is one of the most significant astronomical instruments ever deployed in space. Launched on 24 April 1990 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-31), Hubble is a joint project of NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Vanguard 1: The Oldest Satellite Still in Orbit
Launched on 17 March 1958, Vanguard 1 holds the distinction of being the oldest human-made satellite still in orbit. It was part of the United States' Vanguard project, a programme initiated by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to study Earth's atmosphere.
OneWeb Gen 2: The Next Broadband Constellation
OneWeb Gen 2 represents the second generation of OneWeb's ambitious satellite constellation designed to provide global broadband internet coverage. Building on the initial constellation, Gen 2 aims to enhance connectivity and expand coverage, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
Intelsat: The Geostationary Communications Pioneer
Intelsat, short for International Telecommunications Satellite Organization, is a major player in the field of satellite communications. Established in 1964, Intelsat has been at the forefront of providing global satellite services, facilitating international broadcasting, telephony, and internet co
CSS Tianhe: Core of China's Space Ambitions
CSS Tianhe, also known as the 'Harmony of the Heavens', is the core module of China's Tiangong space station. Launched on 29 April 2021 aboard a Long March 5B rocket, Tianhe serves as the primary control hub and living quarters for astronauts aboard the station.
Sentinel-6: Measuring Sea Level from Orbit
Sentinel-6 is a collaborative satellite mission between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), EUMETSAT, and NOAA, designed to measure sea level changes with unprecedented accuracy. Officially named Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, the satellite honours the former director of NASA's Earth Science Divisi
New Horizons: The Pluto Flyby Probe
New Horizons is a NASA space probe that was launched on 19 January 2006 with the primary mission of performing a flyby study of Pluto and its moons. The spacecraft was designed, built, and operated by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and the Southwest Research Institute
SpaceX AI Satellites: Pioneering Autonomous Space Operations
SpaceX's AI satellites are revolutionising autonomous space operations by enhancing satellite communication and navigation capabilities.
The Evolution of EchoStar: From First Launch to Present
EchoStar has evolved from launching its first satellite in 1995 to becoming a key player in global communications technology.
Voyager 1: Humanity's Most Distant Spacecraft
Voyager 1 is a space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977. It was initially part of the Voyager programme, which aimed to explore the outer planets of our solar system.