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 94 published reports.
Understanding GDOP and PDOP in GNSS: A Detailed Guide
GDOP and PDOP are key metrics in GNSS, affecting positioning accuracy. Learn their roles and significance in satellite navigation.
How Spacecraft Dock with the International Space Station
Spacecraft docking with the ISS involves precise orbital mechanics and advanced technology to ensure a safe and successful connection.
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.
BeiDou-3: how China's global navigation system works
China's BeiDou-3 combines navigation satellites in three types of orbit to deliver global positioning and timing, with additional communications and precision services.
Groundlink: Your Free Satellite Look Angle Calculator
Discover how Orbital Radar's Groundlink tool offers precise satellite look-angle calculations, accessible for free in your browser.
How to Predict ISS Transits Across the Sun and Moon
Discover how to predict ISS transits across celestial bodies with Orbital Radar's Transit Predictions tool, offering precise timing and location data.
How Satellites Are Tracked: A Comprehensive Guide
Satellites are tracked using radar, optical telescopes, and radio signals, ensuring precise orbital data for over 28,000 objects.
Gaia: ESA's Billion-Star Surveyor at L2
Launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on 19 December 2013, Gaia is a space observatory designed to map the positions and motions of over a billion stars in our galaxy with unprecedented precision. The mission aims to construct a detailed 3D map of the Milky Way, providing insights into its com
Close Conjunction Alert: OBJECT B and OBJECT D Approach Within 1.76 km
On 13 August 2026, at precisely 02:54 UTC, a close conjunction event will take place between two space objects designated as OBJECT B and OBJECT D. The minimum separation distance is estimated to be approximately 1.76 kilometres.
Sentinel-2: Europe's Copernicus imaging workhorse
Sentinel-2 turns repeated, precisely calibrated images of Earth's land into practical evidence about crops, forests, water and natural disasters.
Understanding Satellite Constellation Phasing: A Complete Guide
Constellation phasing is the process of arranging satellites in a constellation to ensure optimal coverage and functionality. Learn how it affects global satellite networks.
Understanding ISS Solar Transits: Viewing the Station Cross the Sun
An ISS solar transit is when the International Space Station crosses the Sun's disc, visible from specific locations on Earth.