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.
SpaceX IPO Boosts Market; Artemis Lander Plans Evolve
SpaceX's IPO sees shares rise 20%, marking a financial milestone. NASA refines Artemis lunar lander plans amid close satellite approaches.
How Satellites Are Tracked: A Comprehensive Guide
Satellites are tracked using radar, optical telescopes, and radio signals, ensuring precise orbital data for over 28,000 objects.
The Expanding Universe: Insights from Space
Delve into the science of satellite orbits and the effects of microgravity on astronauts, with insights from the latest data.
China's Tallest Rocket Debuts Amid SpaceX's Historic IPO
China successfully launches its tallest rocket, while SpaceX's IPO sees shares rise by 20%. Astronomers express concerns over orbital data centres.
Satellite Spotlight: Terra — NASA's Earth Observing System Flagship
Launched on 18 December 1999, Terra is a flagship satellite of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) programme. It is designed to monitor the Earth's atmosphere, land, and oceans with a suite of scientific instruments.
Close Approach of QIANFAN Satellites: Assessing the Risks and Implications
On 12 June 2026, two satellites from the QIANFAN series, QIANFAN-169 (NORAD ID: 69386) and QIANFAN-182 (NORAD ID: 69399), experienced a close approach event. The minimum predicted distance between the two satellites was approximately 1.67 kilometres.
How to Search the Satellite Database: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover how to use Orbital Radar's Satellite Directory to search and track over 31,000 objects in orbit, including active satellites and space debris.
Military Satellites: Understanding Their Role and Impact
Military satellites are crucial for defence, providing communication, surveillance, and navigation capabilities. Learn how they function and their strategic importance.
Venus and Jupiter's Celestial Dance Over Avebury
Venus and Jupiter's close conjunction offers a stunning view in the twilight skies, captured over the historic Avebury stone circle.
Tracking Deep Space: Voyager, JWST and Humanity's Most Distant Craft
The Deep Space tool tracks humanity's most distant probes, including Voyager and JWST. Learn how it works and explore its data.
Japan's H3 Rocket to Return with New Configuration
Japan's H3 rocket is set to return to flight with its lightest configuration, marking a significant step for JAXA's launch capabilities.
How Many Satellites Are in Orbit: A Comprehensive Guide
As of 2026, there are 17,907 active satellites in orbit, with a total of 28,248 catalogued objects including debris.