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 388 published reports.
India's Private Rocket Success and Perseverance's Ancient Discovery
India's first privately-developed rocket has successfully reached orbit. Meanwhile, NASA's Perseverance Rover has uncovered evidence of ancient impacts on Mars.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-07-19
This week, the James Webb Space Telescope has once again captured the scientific community's attention with its latest discovery on black holes. The telescope has provided new insights into how these cosmic giants feed themselves, a finding that could reshape our understanding of galactic evolution.
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).
Nature's Prism: The Science Behind Mountain Shadows and Rainbows
A captivating image from Smith Peak captures the interplay of a rainbow and mountain shadow, illustrating the science of light refraction and perspective.
How Satellite Internet Works: A Comprehensive Guide
Satellite internet connects remote areas by transmitting data between ground stations and satellites in orbit, such as Starlink's network.
Mauritius Joins Artemis Accords; Starlink Orbit Adjustments
Mauritius becomes the 70th nation to sign the Artemis Accords, while Starlink satellites undergo significant orbital adjustments.
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.
GPS vs Galileo vs GLONASS vs BeiDou: Comparing Global Navigation Systems
GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou are global navigation satellite systems offering varying coverage, accuracy, and features.
Comet Tempel 2: A Dusty Journey Through Space
Comet Tempel 2, with its distinctive dust trail, offers a celestial spectacle as it approaches Earth. Learn about its orbit and how to observe it.
NASA Cancels Draper Lunar Lander; Starlink Satellites Adjust Orbits
NASA ends Draper lunar lander mission; Starlink satellites show orbital changes. Artemis Accords gain new signatories.
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
SpaceX Starship Launch Aborted; Starlink Satellites See Orbital Changes
SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 launch was aborted at the last second, while several Starlink satellites experienced significant orbital changes.