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 26 published reports.
Understanding Orbital Decay: Why Satellites Fall to Earth
Orbital decay is the gradual reduction of a satellite's orbit due to atmospheric drag and gravitational forces, leading to eventual reentry.
Why Does the ISS Need to Be Reboosted?
Thin air still slows the ISS near 400 km above Earth. Periodic engine burns replace lost orbital energy and keep the station at a useful operating altitude.
How Long Do Satellites Last? A Comprehensive Guide
Satellites typically last between 5 to 15 years, depending on their mission and orbit. Factors like orbital decay and technological obsolescence play key roles.
Understanding Atmospheric Drag on Satellites: A Detailed Guide
Atmospheric drag is a key factor affecting satellites in low Earth orbit, influencing their speed and altitude over time.
Understanding Uncontrolled Re-entries: Risks and Realities
Uncontrolled re-entry occurs when a satellite or space debris re-enters Earth's atmosphere without precise control, posing potential risks.
Understanding Satellite Re-entry: What Happens When Spacecraft Return to Earth
Satellite re-entry involves a spacecraft descending through Earth's atmosphere, often burning up due to intense heat and friction.
How Solar Cycles Affect Satellite Operations
Solar cycles influence satellite operations by affecting space weather, which can disrupt communications and increase orbital decay.
Oldest Satellite Still in Orbit: Vanguard 1 and the Top Ten
Vanguard 1 remains the oldest satellite orbiting Earth. Its surviving companions include rocket hardware and early scientific satellites whose orbits explain their longevity.
Low Earth Orbit: Why Space Is Busiest Below 2,000 km
Low Earth orbit hosts space stations, broadband constellations and Earth-observation missions. Explore how it works, why it is crowded and what keeps satellites flying safely.
Fireball or Satellite Reentry? How to Tell What You Saw
A brief flash and a slow procession of glowing fragments suggest different origins. Learn which clues matter, which can mislead, and how to investigate your sighting.
How Many Satellites Reentered This Year? 2026 by the Numbers
Orbital Radar records 673 satellite and payload re-entries in 2026 so far, within 1,119 atmospheric returns across all object types.
Types of Satellite Orbits: LEO, MEO, GEO and Beyond
Altitude is only part of an orbit’s story. Explore how height, tilt and shape determine what satellites can see, how they communicate and how long they remain in space.