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 221 published reports.
Long March Launch History: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover the Long March Hub, tracking every Chinese launch since 1970 with detailed data and insights.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-07-12
The past week in orbit has been marked by significant developments in space technology and scientific discovery. NASA's Artemis II mission has set a new streaming record, amassing 149 million views as interest in lunar exploration surges.
Sputnik 1: The Satellite That Started the Space Age
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, marking the beginning of the Space Age. Launched by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957, it was a spherical satellite with a diameter of 58 cm and a weight of 83.6 kg.
Boeing Secures $2 Billion Contract Amidst Satellite Close Approaches
Boeing secures a $2 billion contract for satellite communications, while satellite close approaches underscore growing orbital congestion.
US Military Confirms Space Weapons Deployment
The US military has confirmed the deployment of space weapons, marking a significant development in orbital defence.
Mars Sample Return: The Ambitious Plan to Bring Martian Soil to Earth
Mars Sample Return aims to bring Martian soil to Earth for analysis. Learn about the mission's objectives, timeline, and challenges.
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.
Unveiling Olympus Mons: Mars' Towering Giant
Discover Olympus Mons, Mars' colossal volcano, towering nearly three times higher than Earth's Mount Everest.
Russia's GPS Jamming Raises Concerns Amidst Satellite Close Approaches
Russia's GPS jamming from space raises safety concerns as satellites experience close approaches.
The Apollo Program: Humanity's First Steps on the Moon
The Apollo program was NASA's historic mission to land humans on the Moon, achieving this goal with Apollo 11 in 1969.
SpaceX Expands Starlink Network with 24 New Satellites
SpaceX has successfully launched 24 new Starlink satellites, enhancing global internet coverage. Several close approaches in orbit are being monitored.
Fengyun-1C Debris: Legacy of the 2007 ASAT Test
Fengyun-1C was a Chinese weather satellite launched on 10 May 1999, designed to provide meteorological data for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. The satellite was part of the Fengyun series, operated by the China Meteorological Administration.