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 48 published reports.
Rocket Lab Acquires Iridium, Expanding Satellite Comms Reach
Rocket Lab's $8 billion acquisition of Iridium signals a strategic expansion in satellite communications. Starlink satellites adjust orbits, and New Horizons observes solar wind changes.
Rocket Lab Launches Japanese Satellite Amidst Lunar Telescope Race
Rocket Lab launches a Japanese satellite, while plans for a lunar telescope progress. Starlink satellites experience close approaches.
Rocket Lab's GHOST System Unveiled Amidst Chinese Launch Failure
Rocket Lab introduces the GHOST portable spaceport system, while China's LM-7A rocket fails. Key satellite close approaches noted.
Rocket Lab's Strategic Moves and Andromeda's Star Formation Slowdown
Rocket Lab announces strategic advancements; Hubble observes star formation slowdown in Andromeda. Perseids peak tonight.
Rocket Lab's 'Ten Owl of Ten' Mission Lifts Off Amidst Close Satellite Encounters
Rocket Lab's 'Ten Owl of Ten' mission launches today for Synspective, while close satellite encounters are closely monitored.
JAXA's MMX Mission Prepares for Launch with NASA Instruments
JAXA's MMX mission, featuring NASA instruments, is set to launch soon. Rocket Lab delays Neutron debut to 2027. SpaceX launches a classified payload.
Electron targets iQPS launch: Orbital Briefing, 2 November
Rocket Lab targets an Electron launch for iQPS today, while close-approach tracking and questions over NASA's Swift telescope put orbital safety in focus.
Three launches in a day: Orbital Briefing, 24 October 2026
China and Rocket Lab recorded three successful launches on Friday. Today's briefing also covers Artemis lander testing, close approaches and the next flight dates.
NVS-03 reaches orbit: Orbital Briefing, 31 October 2026
India’s NVS-03 navigation satellite has reached orbit, while SpaceX reports another Starlink deployment. Ahead: Rocket Lab’s next radar-imaging mission.
Comprehensive Guide to Every Active Launch Vehicle
Explore the full range of active launch vehicles, their capabilities, and their roles in deploying satellites and other payloads into orbit.
Saturn's Mysterious Decagon and Reusable Rocket Success
Astronomers discover a decagon cloud at Saturn's south pole, and China's Pallas-1 rocket completes a successful debut.
Vulcan targets November return: Orbital Briefing, 29 October
ULA is targeting mid-November for Vulcan’s return to flight. Meanwhile, sharp changes in Starlink drag estimates warrant scrutiny ahead of SpaceX and ISRO launches.