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 78 published reports.
Understanding Orbital Inclination: The Angles of Satellite Orbits
Orbital inclination is the angle between a satellite's orbit and the Earth's equator, crucial for mission objectives.
BeiDou-3: China's Global Navigation System
BeiDou-3 is the third generation of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which provides global navigation services. Officially completed in 2020, BeiDou-3 marks China's full entry into the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) arena, alongside GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia),
Eclipse Pair: A Dance of Shadows and Light
A rare eclipse pair from August 2026 showcases a total solar eclipse and a deep partial lunar eclipse, captured in exquisite HDR imagery.
Understanding the BeiDou Satellite System: A Comprehensive Guide
The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, China's global GNSS, offers positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide.
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.
Orbital Mechanics Explained: How Satellites Stay in Orbit
Orbital mechanics govern how satellites remain in orbit, balancing gravitational forces and velocity to maintain stable paths.
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.
How to Photograph Satellites: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover how to photograph satellites and the ISS with expert guidance on equipment, timing, and techniques for stunning results.
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.
GPS vs Galileo vs GLONASS vs BeiDou: Comparing Global Navigation Systems
GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and BeiDou are global navigation satellite systems offering varying coverage, accuracy, and features.
Satellite Spotlight: COSMOS 1408 — The 2021 Russian ASAT Test Debris Field
COSMOS 1408, also known by its NORAD ID 13552, was a Soviet-era electronic signals intelligence satellite launched on 16 September 1982. It was part of the Tselina-D series, designed to monitor electronic communications and radar emissions from Earth.
Starlink: The Mega-Constellation Reshaping Orbit
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, aimed at providing high-speed broadband internet to underserved and remote areas globally. As of now, SpaceX has launched 10,698 Starlink satellites, with 9,421 currently operational.