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 75 published reports.
Geostationary Orbit: How Satellites Hover Over One Spot
A geostationary orbit allows satellites to remain fixed relative to a point on Earth, ideal for communication and weather monitoring.
Understanding Geostationary Orbital Slots and Their Importance
Geostationary orbital slots are specific positions in Earth's orbit where satellites remain fixed relative to a point on the equator, crucial for communications.
Geostationary Transfer Orbits: A Complete Explainer
A Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) is an elliptical orbit used to transfer satellites to geostationary orbit, crucial for communications satellites.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Military Satellites: What They Do and How They Work
Military satellites support communications, navigation, intelligence and missile warning. Explore how they work, what they can detect and what public tracking reveals.
Graveyard Orbits: The Final Resting Place for Satellites
Graveyard orbits are designated areas where decommissioned satellites are moved to prevent space debris and ensure safer operations.
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.
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.
TDRS: NASA's Data Relay Network in GEO
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system is a network of communications satellites operated by NASA to support space missions. This network provides continuous high-data-rate communication links between spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) and ground stations on Earth.