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 524 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.
Hohmann Transfer Orbits: The Most Efficient Path in Space
A Hohmann transfer orbit is the most fuel-efficient path for moving a spacecraft between two orbits, using two engine burns.
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.
Delta-V Explained: The Essential Guide to Spaceflight
Delta-V is the measure of change in velocity required to perform space manoeuvres, crucial for mission planning and execution.
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-era satellite launched in 1982, primarily serving as an electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) platform. Its mission was to intercept and analyse electronic communications, providing valuable intelligence during the Cold War.
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.
Roman Telescope Prepares for Launch as Close Approaches Increase
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope arrives in Florida for its upcoming launch, while satellite close approaches are closely monitored.