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 18 published reports.
Iridium Flares: Understanding the Sky's Predictable Flashes
Iridium flares were bright flashes caused by sunlight reflecting off Iridium satellites' antennas, visible from Earth.
Iridium NEXT: The Flash-Free Replacement Constellation
Iridium NEXT is the second-generation satellite constellation operated by Iridium Communications. It serves as the replacement for the original Iridium constellation, which was known for its characteristic 'Iridium flares'—bright flashes visible from Earth due to sunlight reflecting off their antenn
SOHO: The Sun-Watching Observatory at L1
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, launched to study the Sun. Since its launch on 2 December 1995, SOHO has been providing critical data on solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
How Solar Storms Threaten Satellites and Power Grids
Solar storms can disrupt satellites and power grids by inducing geomagnetic currents and radiation, posing risks to technology and infrastructure.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-06-21
This week, the space community has been abuzz with discussions on a mysterious gamma-ray stream emanating from the Milky Way's centre, potentially linked to dark matter. Meanwhile, NASA is advancing its lunar and Martian rover capabilities, a crucial step towards future exploration missions.
Space Weather Effects: Understanding Solar Storms and Their Impact
Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by the Sun, impacting satellites, communication systems, and Earth's magnetic field.
Understanding Kessler Syndrome: Space Debris Chain Reaction
Kessler Syndrome describes a scenario where space debris collisions create a self-sustaining cascade, threatening orbital operations.
Iridium NEXT: The Flash-Free Replacement Constellation
Iridium NEXT is a satellite constellation developed by Iridium Communications to replace its original satellite network. The constellation consists of 66 active satellites, with additional spares in orbit, designed to provide global voice and data communication services.
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.
Eclipses and Sunspots: A Solar Spectacle Unveiled
A captivating solar eclipse captured in 2012 reveals sunspots and the Moon's silhouette. Discover the science behind eclipses and upcoming celestial events.
GOES-18: Geostationary Weather Sentinel
GOES-18, also known as GOES-T prior to reaching its operational orbit, is a geostationary weather satellite operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is part of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) series, which provides real-time weather dat
NASA and Roscosmos Extend Seat Barter Deal Amid Close Satellite Encounters
NASA and Roscosmos have extended their seat barter agreement, while recent close satellite encounters underscore the growing congestion in orbit.