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 29 published reports.
KH-11: The US Reconnaissance Satellite Family
The KH-11 satellite series, also known as Kennan, Crystal, or Keyhole, represents a family of American reconnaissance satellites. Introduced in the 1970s by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), these satellites are part of the United States' strategic intelligence-gathering capabilities.
What Are Spy Satellites? A Comprehensive Guide
Spy satellites, or reconnaissance satellites, are used for military and intelligence purposes, capturing high-resolution images from space.
Exploring the Moon's Mysterious Farside
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captures the Moon's rugged farside, revealing its thicker crust and unique geology.
Lunar Orbiters Active Today: A Complete Explainer
Lunar orbiters are satellites that orbit the Moon, providing crucial data for scientific research and future lunar missions. Discover the active orbiters today.
Mars Orbiters: Tracking the Red Planet's Satellites
Mars orbiters are satellites that study Mars from orbit, providing data on its atmosphere, surface, and climate. Learn how they work and their significance.
Military Satellites: Understanding Their Role and Impact
Military satellites are crucial for defence, providing communication, surveillance, and navigation capabilities. Learn how they function and their strategic importance.
Exploring Stickney Crater on Phobos: A Martian Mystery
Stickney Crater on Phobos, Mars' moon, is nearly half its diameter. This HiRISE image reveals its intriguing features and mysterious grooves.
Understanding Polar Orbits: Key Facts and Uses
Polar orbits pass over the Earth's poles, allowing satellites to scan the entire surface. They are crucial for Earth observation missions.
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.
SpaceX Sets Record with Dual Falcon 9 Launches in Under an Hour
SpaceX launches two Falcon 9 rockets just 38 minutes apart, setting a new record and supporting Globalstar and U.S. Space Force.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-10-06
The past week in space was marked by significant developments across various domains. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy successfully launched a mission for the U.S.
A New Lunar Crater: The Impact of McGetchin
McGetchin, a new lunar crater, has formed from a recent impact, providing fresh data on lunar surface dynamics and impact events.