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.
Unveiling Olympus Mons: Mars' Towering Giant
Discover Olympus Mons, Mars' colossal volcano, towering nearly three times higher than Earth's Mount Everest.
Rocket Lab Acquires Iridium, Expanding Satellite Comms Reach
Rocket Lab's $8 billion acquisition of Iridium signals a strategic expansion in satellite communications. Starlink satellites adjust orbits, and New Horizons observes solar wind changes.
Understanding Hohmann Transfer Orbits: Efficient Space Travel
A Hohmann transfer orbit is the most efficient method to move between two circular orbits, minimizing fuel use and energy.
Sunspot Spectacle: AR 4478 Illuminates the Solar Surface
Discover AR 4478, a colossal sunspot group, its effects on Earth, and the science of solar activity.
Gamma-Ray Bursts from Neutron Star Collapses Confirmed
Scientists confirm two gamma-ray bursts were caused by collapsing neutron stars, while SpaceX launches a SiriusXM satellite.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-06-28
This week in orbit, a 12-billion-year-old interstellar comet, older than our solar system, captured the attention of astronomers. Meanwhile, SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from California, contributing to the constellation's expansion.
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.
Delta-V Explained: The Essential Concept in Spaceflight
Delta-V is a measure of the change in velocity needed for spacecraft manoeuvres. It's crucial for orbital changes and mission planning.
Starlink Launch Set for Sunday Amidst Close Orbital Encounters
SpaceX's Starlink launch from Vandenberg is scheduled for today, while several close satellite encounters are monitored.
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.
Understanding Orbital Inclination: The Angles of Satellite Orbits
Orbital inclination is the angle between a satellite's orbit and the Earth's equator, crucial for mission objectives.
Saturn: The Floating Giant of Our Solar System
Discover why Saturn, the ringed giant, could float in water and learn about its significance in our solar system.