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 19 published reports.
Military Satellites: Comprehensive Guide to Their Role and Function
Military satellites are spacecraft used for defence and intelligence. They play crucial roles in communication, navigation, and surveillance.
How Many Satellites Are in Orbit: A Comprehensive Guide
As of 2026, there are 17,907 active satellites in orbit, with a total of 28,248 catalogued objects including debris.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-07-05
This week, the focus was on planetary exploration and satellite technology. The European Space Agency's Mars Express captured a series of dust devils in a Martian valley, offering insights into the planet's atmospheric dynamics.
SpaceX Starship V3 Launches Amidst Blue Origin's Recovery
SpaceX's Starship V3 makes its debut launch, while Blue Origin wraps up its New Glenn investigation.
KH-11: The US Reconnaissance Satellite Family
The KH-11, also known as Kennan, is a series of American reconnaissance satellites operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). These satellites are part of a classified programme designed to provide high-resolution optical imagery for intelligence purposes.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-08-16
This week in space has been marked by significant developments and intriguing discoveries. NASA has funded a new project to develop spherical 'Aerobots' designed to explore the caves of Saturn's moon Titan, potentially opening new avenues for extraterrestrial exploration.
Webb Telescope Unveils TW Hydrae's Protoplanetary Disk Secrets
The Webb Telescope has revealed a warped structure in TW Hydrae's protoplanetary disk, offering insights into planetary formation.
SpaceX Prepares for NRO Launch Amidst Satellite Close Calls
SpaceX prepares for a classified NRO launch as several satellites experience close approaches in orbit.
GLONASS-K: Russia's Advanced Navigation Satellites
GLONASS-K is the latest generation of Russia's Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), designed to provide precise positioning and timing services globally. The GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) programme is Russia's counterpart to the United States' GPS and the European Union's Galile
Unveiling the Double Lobed Asteroid Torifune
Asteroid 98943 Torifune, recently imaged by Hayabusa2, reveals a double-lobed structure, offering clues to its formation and composition.
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.
SpaceX's 'Starfall' Capsule to Demonstrate Reentry Capabilities
SpaceX's 'Starfall' capsule is set to launch today, showcasing reentry technology. Meanwhile, NASA faces infrastructure challenges.