This Week in Orbit: 2026-08-16
This week in space has been marked by significant developments and intriguing discoveries. NASA has funded a new project to develop spherical 'Aerobots' designed to explore the caves of Saturn's moon Titan, potentially opening new avenues for extraterrestrial exploration.
Week Overview
This week in space has been marked by significant developments and intriguing discoveries. NASA has funded a new project to develop spherical 'Aerobots' designed to explore the caves of Saturn's moon Titan, potentially opening new avenues for extraterrestrial exploration. Meanwhile, the Einstein Probe has captured a rare X-ray flash from an exploding star, providing valuable data for astrophysicists. In a nod to history, the anniversary of the first glide flight of the wingless M2-F1 was celebrated, highlighting the innovative spirit of early space exploration.
Launch Activity
This week saw a lull in launch activity with no new launches recorded. However, Firefly Aerospace is promoting the next block of their Alpha rocket amid progress on their Eclipse programme, indicating future activity. For those tracking upcoming launches, the Orbital Radar Launch Schedule provides a comprehensive overview of planned missions.
Orbital Events
A series of close approaches between satellites were monitored this week, with the closest being between PRC Test Spacecraft 4 and Object H, and Intelsat 1002 and MEV-2, both at a minimum distance of 0.00 km. Such events underscore the growing congestion in orbit, a concern for satellite operators. These events can be further explored on the Orbital Radar Debris Map, which tracks active close approaches.
Space Weather
Space weather conditions have remained largely calm, with geomagnetic activity in the green zone. However, there is a yellow alert for X-ray flux, indicating a slight increase in solar activity. The impact on low Earth orbit (LEO) remains minimal, but geostationary orbit (GEO) operators should remain vigilant. For real-time updates, the Orbital Radar Space Weather page provides detailed metrics.
Notable Satellites
The active satellite count stands at 18,549, with Starlink contributing a significant portion. Currently, 10,930 Starlink satellites are active, with 9,790 operational. The Starlink Tracker on Orbital Radar offers detailed tracking of these satellites, including those in orbit-raising and deorbiting phases.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, the space community anticipates further developments in satellite disposal studies, as U.S. defence agencies have engaged three companies for this purpose. Additionally, China's new moon map signals ambitious lunar exploration plans. For those interested in upcoming space missions, the Orbital Radar Launch Schedule provides an up-to-date list of future launches and missions.
