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 27 published reports.
Understanding Satellite Re-entry: Processes and Implications
Satellite re-entry involves the descent of a satellite into Earth's atmosphere, often resulting in its disintegration. Learn about the processes and implications.
Understanding Satellite Re-entry: Processes and Implications
Satellite re-entry involves a spacecraft's return to Earth, governed by atmospheric drag and orbital decay, impacting space debris management.
Understanding Orbital Decay: Why Satellites Fall to Earth
Orbital decay occurs when a satellite's orbit decreases over time due to atmospheric drag and gravitational forces, eventually leading to re-entry.
Genesis Capsule's Fiery Return: A Solar Wind Odyssey
In 2004, NASA's Genesis capsule crash-landed in Utah, bringing back solar wind samples that unveiled secrets of the Sun's composition and the Solar System's formation.
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.
This Week in Orbit
This week, the James Webb Space Telescope revealed a warped structure within the protoplanetary disk of TW Hydrae, a nearby star system, providing new insights into planet formation processes. Meanwhile, the U.S.
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.
China's Secretive Launch and Starliner Cargo Plans for 2026
China's TJS-27 satellites launch alongside a Tianlian relay. Starliner plans ISS cargo run. Close satellite approaches monitored.
Orbital Launch Roundup: A Quiet 48 Hours
In an unusual lull, the past 48 hours have seen no new orbital launches. This pause comes amidst a year that has otherwise been marked by a high frequency of launches, driven in part by the rapid deployment of satellite constellations such as SpaceX's Starlink.
Close Approach Alert: GRUS-3G and MISR-D-2 Conjunction
On 21 August 2026, at 02:33 UTC, a close approach is expected between the satellites GRUS-3G (NORAD ID: 69878) and MISR-D-2 (NORAD ID: 69915). The predicted minimum distance of approximately 1.99 kilometres categorises this as a medium-severity conjunction event.
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
SpaceX Prepares Starlink Launch Amid Close Satellite Encounters
SpaceX is readying a Falcon 9 launch of 24 Starlink satellites, while several close satellite encounters have been monitored.