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 77 published reports.
Satellite Manoeuvre Detection: An Authoritative Guide
Satellite manoeuvre detection involves tracking changes in a satellite's orbit to ensure space safety and efficiency.
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.
How Often Do Satellites Maneuver? What Our Detector Sees
Orbital Radar logged 45,196 orbit-change events over the past month. Explore what those detections reveal about satellite activity—and why they are not a count of thruster firings.
Hohmann Transfer Orbit: How the Two-Burn Route Works
A Hohmann transfer connects circular orbits with two engine burns. Discover how it works, what makes it economical and why it is not always the cheapest route.
Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres: Essential Guide for Space Safety
Collision avoidance involves manoeuvres to prevent satellites from colliding with space debris or other objects.
How Many Satellites in Orbit? Counts, Types and Tracking
Earth has 15,870 active satellites, but the wider catalogue includes debris and inactive spacecraft. Here is what the counts mean and how to explore them.
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.
NASA Concludes MAVEN Mission, Discovers Atmospheric Phenomenon
NASA concludes MAVEN mission, revealing a new atmospheric phenomenon on Mars. ISS crew takes shelter due to a Russian segment air leak.
Starlink Satellites Adjust Orbits; Moon's Water Remains Deep
Starlink satellites execute orbital adjustments, Moon's water remains in its interior, and SpaceX prepares for Starship's 13th test flight.
Orbital Period: Meaning, Formula and Satellite Examples
Orbital period measures how long one orbit takes. Discover why higher satellites orbit more slowly, how to calculate a period and why an orbit is not the same as a visible pass.
SpaceX Starlink Launch and Astrobotic's Strategic Sale
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, while Astrobotic's sale to Voyager promises expansion.
NASA Cancels Draper Lunar Lander; Starlink Satellites Adjust Orbits
NASA ends Draper lunar lander mission; Starlink satellites show orbital changes. Artemis Accords gain new signatories.