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 447 published reports.
Orbital Mechanics Explained: How Satellites Stay in Orbit
Orbital mechanics govern how satellites remain in orbit, balancing gravitational forces and velocity to maintain stable paths.
Understanding Orbital Inclination: The Angles of Satellite Orbits
Orbital inclination is the angle between a satellite's orbit and the Earth's equator, crucial for mission objectives.
Understanding Satellite Orbits: LEO, MEO, GEO and Beyond
Satellite orbits, including LEO, MEO, and GEO, define how satellites move and function in space. Each orbit serves unique purposes.
Medium Earth Orbit: Understanding Its Role in Satellite Operations
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) is a region of space where satellites orbit at altitudes between 2,000 and 35,786 km, crucial for navigation and communications.
Geostationary Orbit: How Satellites Hover Over One Spot
Geostationary orbit allows satellites to remain fixed over a single Earth location, crucial for communications and weather monitoring.
Understanding Mean Motion in Satellite Orbits
Mean motion describes the average angular speed of a satellite in its orbit, crucial for predicting satellite positions.
How Many Satellites Are in Orbit: A Comprehensive Guide
As of 2026, there are 17,907 active satellites in orbit, with a total of 28,248 catalogued objects including debris.
Understanding Orbital Decay: Why Satellites Fall to Earth
Orbital decay is the gradual reduction of a satellite's orbit due to atmospheric drag and gravitational forces, leading to eventual reentry.
Understanding Apogee and Perigee in Satellite Orbits
Apogee and perigee refer to the highest and lowest points in an orbit, crucial for understanding satellite paths and operations.
Graveyard Orbits: The Final Resting Place for Satellites
Graveyard orbits are designated areas where decommissioned satellites are moved to prevent space debris and ensure safer operations.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Starlink Satellites Amid Orbital Adjustments
SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, while several existing satellites underwent orbital adjustments.
Understanding Sun-Synchronous Orbits: Consistent Sunlight for Satellites
A sun-synchronous orbit allows satellites to maintain consistent sunlight exposure, crucial for imaging and Earth observation tasks.