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 31 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.
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 — The 2021 Russian ASAT Test Debris Field
COSMOS 1408 was a Soviet military satellite launched on 16 September 1982. It was part of the Tselina-D series, designed for electronic intelligence gathering.
Anti-Satellite Weapons: Understanding Their Impact and Risks
Anti-satellite weapons are designed to disable or destroy satellites. They pose significant risks to space operations due to debris creation.
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.
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.
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.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-05-24
This week, the space industry saw significant developments, including NASA's decision to expand its collaboration with SpaceX by adding more missions to the commercial crew contract. Meanwhile, SpaceX successfully launched its first Starship V3, marking a new chapter for the company's ambitious spac
Space Force Expands GPS Network Amid Satellite Close Approaches
The U.S. Space Force has contracted Lockheed Martin for two additional GPS satellites, while several close approaches in orbit are monitored.
Space Force Awards $4.16 Billion Contract to SpaceX for Satellite Network
SpaceX secures a $4.16 billion contract from the Space Force to develop a satellite network. Shenzhou-21 crew returns safely to Earth.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches 81 Satellites in Midnight Rideshare
SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully launched 81 satellites early on July 7. The mission included diverse payloads, enhancing global satellite coverage.
Guowang and Qianfan: China's Satellite Internet Ambitions
Guowang and Qianfan are China's ambitious satellite internet projects aiming to rival Starlink by deploying thousands of satellites.