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 333 published reports.
How Many Satellites in Orbit? Counts, Types and Tracking
Earth has 15,870 active satellites, but the wider catalogue includes debris and inactive spacecraft. Here is what the counts mean and how to explore them.
How Many Starlink Satellites Fall Each Day?
1.5 Starlink satellites re-enter Earth's atmosphere each day, according to Orbital Radar data. Explore the reasons behind these controlled re-entries.
Sun-Synchronous Orbit: How Satellites Keep Consistent Light
Sun-synchronous satellites use Earth's equatorial bulge to keep a consistent solar schedule. Learn how the orbit works, why imaging missions use it and what it cannot guarantee.
How Are Satellites Tested Before Launch?
Satellites face simulated launch loads and space conditions before flight. Thermal vacuum, vibration and acoustic tests expose faults that could otherwise end a mission.
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.
Parts of a Satellite: Systems That Keep It Working
Discover the key components and systems inside a satellite that ensure its operation in space, including power, thermal control, and communication.
Types of Rocket Propulsion: Chemical, Electric and Nuclear
Chemical engines deliver thrust, electric thrusters conserve propellant, and nuclear concepts offer different trade-offs. Here is how mission designers choose between them.
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 Often Do Satellites Maneuver? What Our Detector Sees
Orbital Radar logged 45,196 orbit-change events over the past month. Explore what those detections reveal about satellite activity—and why they are not a count of thruster firings.
Why Do Rockets Launch From Florida?
Florida combines an eastward boost from Earth's rotation with open Atlantic launch corridors and decades of infrastructure. But the best launch site depends on the mission.
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.
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.