Satellite Encyclopedia In-depth profiles of notable satellites — from Vanguard 1 to Starlink.
Tracking 54 published posts in this series.
SOHO: The Sun-Watching Observatory at L1
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, launched to study the Sun. Since its launch on 2 December 1995, SOHO has been providing critical data on solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
Aqua: Tracking Earth's Water Cycle from Orbit
Launched on 4 May 2002, Aqua is a NASA Earth Science satellite designed to observe the Earth's water cycle. Part of the Earth Observing System (EOS), Aqua's primary mission is to collect data on precipitation, evaporation, and the cycling of water.
Terra: NASA's Flagship Earth Observing System Platform
Launched on 18 December 1999, Terra is a cornerstone of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS), designed to monitor and understand key aspects of the Earth's climate and environmental systems. The satellite carries a suite of scientific instruments aimed at collecting data on the atmosphere, land, and
GLONASS-K: Russia's Advanced Navigation Satellites
GLONASS-K is the latest generation of Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), designed to provide precise positioning and timing services globally. The GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) programme is Russia's counterpart to the United States' GPS and the European Union's Galile
BeiDou-3: China's Global Navigation System
BeiDou-3 is the third generation of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), designed to provide global navigation services. Officially completed in 2020, BeiDou-3 marks China's entry into the elite group of countries providing global satellite navigation, alongside the United States' GPS,
Galileo FOC: Europe's Navigation Constellation
Galileo FOC (Full Operational Capability) is the European Union's global navigation satellite system, designed to provide highly accurate positioning data worldwide. Unlike the United States' GPS or Russia's GLONASS, Galileo is a civilian-controlled system, managed by the European Union Agency for t
KH-11: The US Reconnaissance Satellite Family
The KH-11 is a series of American reconnaissance satellites operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). First launched in December 1976, these satellites are part of the Keyhole series and are known for their high-resolution optical imaging capabilities.
Envisat: The Giant Dormant ESA Satellite and Collision Risk
Envisat, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2002, was one of the largest Earth observation satellites ever constructed. With a mass of approximately 8,211 kilograms and dimensions comparable to a double-decker bus, Envisat was equipped with ten sophisticated instruments designed to monit
Sputnik 1: The Satellite That Ushered in the Space Age
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth, marking the dawn of the Space Age. Launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957, it was a polished metal sphere 58 centimetres in diameter with four external radio antennas.
GOES-19: The Newest Geostationary Weather Eye
GOES-19, also known as GOES-T before its successful launch, is the latest addition to the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) series operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Launched on 1 March 2022 aboard an Atlas V rocket, GOES-19 is positioned
Sentinel-2: Europe's Copernicus Imaging Workhorse
Sentinel-2 is a part of the European Union's Copernicus Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at providing Earth observation data to support environmental monitoring, climate change studies, and disaster management. The Sentinel-2 mission consists of two identical satellites, Sentinel-2A and Sentin
Iridium NEXT: The Flash-Free Replacement Constellation
Iridium NEXT is the second-generation satellite constellation operated by Iridium Communications. It serves as a global network for voice and data communication, replacing the original Iridium constellation launched in the late 1990s.
Fengyun-1C Debris: Legacy of the 2007 ASAT Test
Fengyun-1C was a Chinese weather satellite, part of the Fengyun (meaning 'Wind and Cloud') series operated by the China Meteorological Administration. Launched on 10 May 1999, it had the primary mission of providing meteorological data to improve weather forecasting capabilities.
GOES-18: Geostationary Weather Sentinel
GOES-18, part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) series, plays a crucial role in weather monitoring and forecasting. Operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), GOES-18 is stationed in a geostationary orbit, allowing it to provide continuous
OneWeb: The UK's Broadband Constellation
OneWeb is a satellite constellation designed to provide global broadband internet services. Headquartered in London, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by offering high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas around the world.
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'