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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 48 published reports.

Technicians prepare to mate TDRS-D satellite with STS-29 at Kennedy Space Center's Vertical Processing Facility.
Orbital Events

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.

· 2 min
Archival photo of Echo 1 satellite over Goldstone Tracking Station, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, August 12, 1960.
Orbital Events

How to Track Satellites: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover how to track satellites in orbit, including understanding orbital parameters and using tracking tools effectively.

· 2 min
Technicians prepare TDRS-D satellite for launch at Kennedy Space Center's Vertical Processing Facility.
Orbital Events

Understanding TLE Format: A Comprehensive Guide

Two-Line Element sets (TLEs) are crucial for tracking satellites, providing data on orbit parameters and predictions.

· 2 min
Space Shuttle Projects
Orbital Events

Understanding TLEs: The Backbone of Satellite Tracking

A TLE, or Two-Line Element Set, is a data format encoding a satellite's orbital parameters, crucial for tracking its path in space.

· 2 min
A CubeSat being released into Earth's orbit from a small satellite deployer in space.
Orbital Events

Understanding Mean Motion in Satellite Orbits

Mean motion describes the average angular speed of a satellite in its orbit, crucial for predicting satellite positions.

· 2 min
Space Shuttle STS-6 preflight with Tracking Data Relay Satellite at Kennedy Space Center launch pad.
Orbital Events

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.

· 2 min
The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich Satellite Orbits Earth (Illustration)
Satellite Spotlight

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.

· 2 min
The Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich Satellite Orbits Earth (Illustration)
Satellite Spotlight

Skylens AR: Your Guide to Satellite Identification Using Augmented Reality

Skylens AR uses augmented reality to help users identify satellites in real-time by pointing their phones at the sky.

· 2 min
Artist concept of satellite in orbit above the earth
Satellite Spotlight

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.

· 2 min
Illustration of asteroid Psyche, 140 miles wide, located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
Satellite Spotlight

Tracking Near-Earth Asteroids: Your Guide to Real-Time Orbits and Risks

Discover how to track near-earth asteroids in real-time, assess their orbits, and understand potential impact risks with our detailed guide.

· 2 min
Technicians installing EDR on LOFTID spacecraft inside a cleanroom environment
Satellite Spotlight

NOAA-19: The Last of the POES Weather Satellites

NOAA-19, also known as NOAA-N Prime, is the last in the series of Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Launched on 6 February 2009, it serves as a vital component in the global weather monitoring network.

· 2 min
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