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 100 published reports.
Understanding NORAD IDs: The Definitive Guide to Satellite Tracking
NORAD IDs are unique identifiers for tracking over 29,000 objects in space, including active satellites and debris.
Understanding TLEs: The Backbone of Satellite Tracking
A TLE, or Two-Line Element Set, is a data format used to convey satellite orbital parameters, crucial for predicting satellite positions.
How to Track Satellites: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover how to track satellites in orbit, including understanding orbital parameters and using tracking tools effectively.
Understanding Orbital Epoch: A Comprehensive Guide
The orbital epoch is a timestamp indicating when orbital parameters are valid, crucial for tracking satellites and space debris.
Understanding TLE Format: A Comprehensive Guide
Two-Line Element sets (TLEs) are crucial for tracking satellites, providing data on orbit parameters and predictions.
Who Tracks Space Debris? Inside the Global Surveillance Network
Space debris is tracked by a global network of agencies monitoring 28,886 objects, ensuring orbital safety and sustainability.
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.
Close Conjunction of INTELSAT 1002 and MEV-2
On June 15, 2026, at 10:17 UTC, a close approach event is anticipated between INTELSAT 1002 (NORAD ID: 28358) and MEV-2 (NORAD ID: 46113). The predicted minimum separation distance is approximately 0.00 km, indicating a potential collision risk.
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.
Close Conjunction: FLOCK 4H 14 and MAUVE Satellites
On 13 July 2026, at 02:21 UTC, a close approach event involving two satellites, FLOCK 4H 14 (NORAD ID: 66717) and MAUVE (NORAD ID: 66756), is projected to occur. The minimum predicted distance between these spacecraft is approximately 1.64 kilometres.
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.
GPS IIR-11: The Backbone of Global Navigation
GPS IIR-11, also known by its NORAD ID 26407, is a part of the Global Positioning System (GPS), a network of satellites providing geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth. Launched on 31 March 2003, GPS IIR-11 is one of the 31 operational satellites in the GPS