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 45 published reports.
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 Orbital Epoch: A Comprehensive Guide
The orbital epoch is a timestamp indicating when orbital parameters are valid, crucial for tracking satellites and space debris.
Understanding TLE Format: A Comprehensive Guide
Two-Line Element sets (TLEs) are crucial for tracking satellites, providing data on orbit parameters and predictions.
Understanding Mean Motion in Satellite Orbits
Mean motion describes the average angular speed of a satellite in its orbit, crucial for predicting satellite positions.
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.
Real-Time Satellite Maneuver Tracking with Orbital Radar
Discover how Orbital Radar's Maneuver Tracker provides real-time insights into satellite maneuvers, enhancing space situational awareness.
How to Search the Satellite Database: A Comprehensive Guide
Discover how to use Orbital Radar's Satellite Directory to search and track over 31,000 objects in orbit, including active satellites and space debris.
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.
Tiangong: China's Permanent Space Station
Tiangong, meaning 'Heavenly Palace' in Mandarin, is China's permanent space station, a major milestone in the country's ambitious space programme. Launched in phases beginning in April 2021, Tiangong is designed to support long-duration human spaceflight and facilitate scientific research in microgr
Understanding Apogee and Perigee in Satellite Orbits
Apogee and perigee refer to the highest and lowest points in an orbit, crucial for understanding satellite paths and operations.
Sentinel-6: Measuring Sea Level from Orbit
Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich is an Earth observation satellite dedicated to measuring sea level changes with unprecedented accuracy. Launched on 21 November 2020, it is part of the European Union's Copernicus programme, designed to provide critical data for climate monitoring and weather forecasting.
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.