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 131 published reports.
DESI Survey Unveils Largest 2-D Map of Universe
The DESI Legacy Imaging Survey has released the largest 2-D map of the universe, while Tianhui satellites experience close orbital approaches.
Tiangong: China's Permanent Space Station
Tiangong, meaning 'Heavenly Palace' in Mandarin, is China's permanent space station, a major milestone in the country's ambitious space programme. Launched in phases beginning in April 2021, Tiangong is designed to support long-duration human spaceflight and facilitate scientific research in microgr
SpaceX Starship: The Fully Reusable Megarocket Explained
SpaceX's Starship is a fully reusable spacecraft designed to carry humans and cargo to Mars and beyond. Discover its design, capabilities, and mission goals.
How Are Satellites Tested Before Launch?
Satellites face simulated launch loads and space conditions before flight. Thermal vacuum, vibration and acoustic tests expose faults that could otherwise end a mission.
Delta-V Explained: The Currency of Spaceflight
Delta-v is the change in velocity needed for space manoeuvres, crucial in mission planning and satellite operations.
Blue Origin's New Glenn: A Comprehensive Guide to the Heavy-Lift Rocket
Blue Origin's New Glenn is a heavy-lift rocket designed to compete in the commercial space market with significant payload capacity.
OneWeb Gen 2: Expanding Global Connectivity
OneWeb Gen 2 is the next-generation satellite constellation designed to provide global broadband internet coverage. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, OneWeb Gen 1, this constellation aims to enhance connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
James Webb Space Telescope at L2: A Deep Space Observatory
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a large, space-based observatory designed to complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope. Launched on 25 December 2021, JWST is a collaborative project of NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Falcon 9: The Rocket That Changed Spaceflight Forever
The Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX revolutionised spaceflight with its reusable design, reducing launch costs and increasing access to space.
Gaia: ESA's Billion-Star Surveyor at L2
Launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on 19 December 2013, Gaia is a space observatory designed to map the positions and motions of over a billion stars in our galaxy with unprecedented precision. The mission aims to construct a detailed 3D map of the Milky Way, providing insights into its com
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 — The 2021 Russian ASAT Test Debris Field
COSMOS 1408, also known by its NORAD ID 13552, was a Soviet-era electronic signals intelligence satellite launched on 16 September 1982. It was part of the Tselina-D series, designed to monitor electronic communications and radar emissions from Earth.
GLONASS-K: Russia's Next-Generation Navigation Satellites
GLONASS-K is the third generation of Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), designed to provide real-time positioning and timing data for military and civilian users worldwide. The system is a counterpart to the United States' GPS (Global Positioning System) and the European Union's Gal