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 138 published reports.
Close Satellite Approaches Highlight Orbital Congestion
Close approaches between satellites underscore increasing orbital congestion, as Virgin Galactic delays flights to 2027.
Shenzhou 23 Launches New Crew to Tiangong Amid Close Satellite Approaches
Shenzhou 23 launches a new crew to the Tiangong space station, while satellite close approaches continue to be monitored.
Orbital Safety Concerns Rise Amid Close Satellite Approaches
Recent close approaches between satellites underscore the growing need for improved orbital safety measures.
SpaceX Expands Starlink Network Amid Close Satellite Approaches
SpaceX's latest Starlink launch boosts its constellation as close satellite approaches are monitored.
Griffin-1 Lunar Lander Unveiled Amid Satellite Close Approaches
Astrobotic unveils the Griffin-1 lunar lander, while multiple close satellite approaches underscore orbital congestion.
SpaceX Prepares for Starship's 13th Test Flight Amid Close Satellite Approaches
SpaceX is set for Starship's 13th test flight this week, while several satellites experience close approaches.
Starliner Eyes 2026 Cargo Mission Amid Close Satellite Approaches
Boeing's Starliner is poised for a potential 2026 cargo mission to the ISS, while multiple close satellite approaches underscore orbital congestion challenges.
Satellite Proliferation Threatens Astronomy, Close Approaches Monitored
Astronomy faces challenges from the planned launch of 1.7 million satellites, while several close approaches in orbit are monitored.
Close Approach of QIANFAN Satellites: Assessing the Risks and Implications
On 12 June 2026, two satellites from the QIANFAN series, QIANFAN-169 (NORAD ID: 69386) and QIANFAN-182 (NORAD ID: 69399), experienced a close approach event. The minimum predicted distance between the two satellites was approximately 1.67 kilometres.
Space Force Expands GPS Network Amid Satellite Close Approaches
The U.S. Space Force has contracted Lockheed Martin for two additional GPS satellites, while several close approaches in orbit are monitored.
Boeing Secures $2 Billion Contract Amidst Satellite Close Approaches
Boeing secures a $2 billion contract for satellite communications, while satellite close approaches underscore growing orbital congestion.
Close Approach of SUPERVIEW NEO-2 Satellites: Monitoring Orbital Safety
On 18 August 2026, at 02:45 UTC, SUPERVIEW NEO-2 03 and SUPERVIEW NEO-2 04, two Earth observation satellites, experienced a close approach with a minimum separation of approximately 1.49 kilometres. Both satellites, with NORAD IDs 62079 and 62080 respectively, are part of a constellation operated by