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 96 published reports.
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.
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.
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.
GOES Weather Satellites: Comprehensive Guide and Analysis
GOES weather satellites provide critical data for weather forecasting and monitoring. Discover their functions, history, and impact.
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
TDRS: NASA's Geostationary Data Relay Network
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system is a network of American communications satellites that form part of NASA's Space Network. Established to provide continuous, high-data-rate communication with spacecraft, TDRS supports a range of missions, from the Hubble Space Telescope to the In
How to Distinguish Satellites from Shooting Stars in the Night Sky
Satellites move steadily across the sky, while shooting stars appear as brief, bright streaks. Learn how to identify each.
Close Conjunction Alert: OBJECT B and OBJECT D Approach Within 1.76 km
On 13 August 2026, at precisely 02:54 UTC, a close conjunction event will take place between two space objects designated as OBJECT B and OBJECT D. The minimum separation distance is estimated to be approximately 1.76 kilometres.
Parker Solar Probe: Touching the Sun
The Parker Solar Probe is a NASA spacecraft launched on 12 August 2018 with the mission to study the outer corona of the Sun. Named after solar astrophysicist Eugene Parker, it is the first spacecraft to fly into the low solar corona, providing unprecedented close-up observations of the Sun's atmosp
Aqua: Tracking Earth's Water Cycle from Orbit
Aqua is a NASA satellite dedicated to the study of Earth's water cycle, launched on 4 May 2002. It forms part of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) and is tasked with collecting data on precipitation, evaporation, and the cycling of water.