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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 54 published reports.

STS-29 tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) in OV-103's payload bay (PLB)
Satellite Spotlight

TDRS: NASA's Data Relay Network in Geostationary Orbit

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system is a network of American communications satellites operated by NASA. It provides critical data relay services between ground stations and spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO), including the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope.

· 2 min
Technicians carefully move the JPSS-2 spacecraft onto an integration and testing cart in a cleanroom.
Orbital Events

Highly Elliptical Orbits: Understanding Their Role in Space

Highly elliptical orbits (HEOs) are elongated paths used for specific satellite missions, offering unique advantages for communication and observation.

· 2 min
NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter image aiding search for Mars 2 lander debris field on Martian surface.
Orbital Events

Graveyard Orbits: Final Resting Place for Satellites

Graveyard orbits are designated zones where inactive satellites are moved to minimise space debris. Discover their importance and function.

· 2 min
An orbital sunrise colorfully illuminates the Earth's atmosphere
Orbital Events

Understanding Satellite Orbits: LEO, MEO, GEO and Beyond

Satellite orbits, including LEO, MEO, and GEO, define how satellites move and function in space. Each orbit serves unique purposes.

· 2 min
Aerial view of Kennedy Space Center with launch pad and surrounding landscape.
Orbital Events

Understanding Sun-Synchronous Orbits: Consistent Sunlight for Satellites

A sun-synchronous orbit allows satellites to maintain consistent sunlight exposure, crucial for imaging and Earth observation tasks.

· 2 min
One Web Satellites Ground Breaking
Orbital Events

How Satellite Internet Works: A Comprehensive Guide

Satellite internet connects remote areas by transmitting data between ground stations and satellites in orbit, such as Starlink's network.

· 2 min
Detailed solar observation during Venus transit, showing sunspots and planetary silhouette.
Orbital Events

Understanding Orbital Period: Key Concepts and Calculations

The orbital period is the time a celestial object takes to complete one orbit around another object. Learn its significance and calculation.

· 2 min
Aerial view of Hawaii from Skylab III, showcasing lush islands surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Orbital Events

Medium Earth Orbit: Understanding Its Role in Satellite Operations

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) is a region of space where satellites orbit at altitudes between 2,000 and 35,786 km, crucial for navigation and communications.

· 2 min
Historical photograph of a space shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center, with billowing smoke and bright flames.
Satellite Spotlight

Intelsat: The Geostationary Communications Pioneer

Intelsat is a leading provider of satellite communication services, operating a fleet of geostationary satellites. Founded in 1964, Intelsat has played a pivotal role in developing global satellite communications.

· 2 min
Diagram showing TDRS 3 satellite orbit with perigee at 35623 km and apogee at 35948 km, based on radar data.
Satellite Spotlight

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

· 2 min
Space Shuttle STS-6 preflight with Tracking Data Relay Satellite at Kennedy Space Center launch pad.
Orbital Events

Understanding RAAN: The Right Ascension of the Ascending Node Explained

RAAN, or Right Ascension of the Ascending Node, is an essential orbital parameter that defines a satellite's path relative to Earth's equatorial plane.

· 2 min
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