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 488 published reports.
SpaceX to Launch First Starlink V3 Satellites on Starship
SpaceX is set to launch the first Starlink V3 satellites on Starship. Tianhui satellites' close approaches highlight orbital congestion.
SpaceX Prepares Starship for August Launch Amid Close Satellite Encounters
SpaceX aims for an August Starship launch, while Neuraspace expands space awareness capabilities. Close satellite encounters monitored.
Satellite Rescue Mission and Canadarm2 Repairs Highlight Busy Week in Orbit
A satellite rescue mission and Canadarm2 repairs are key highlights, alongside close orbital encounters and a pulsar record.
SpaceX Expands Starlink Network with 24 New Satellites
SpaceX has successfully launched 24 new Starlink satellites, enhancing global internet coverage. Several close approaches in orbit are being monitored.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches 81 Satellites in Midnight Rideshare
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launched 81 satellites in a rideshare mission. Meanwhile, close approaches continue to be monitored in orbit.
Vanguard 1: The Oldest Satellite Still in Orbit
Launched on 17 March 1958, Vanguard 1 is the oldest artificial satellite still in orbit. Developed by the United States as part of the Vanguard Project, it was the fourth artificial Earth satellite to be successfully launched.
NOAA-19: The Last of the POES Weather Satellites
NOAA-19, also known as NOAA-N Prime, is the final satellite in the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) series. Launched on 6 February 2009, it serves as a crucial component in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) weather forecasting and environmental monitoring
Rocket Lab Acquires Iridium, Expanding Satellite Comms Reach
Rocket Lab's $8 billion acquisition of Iridium signals a strategic expansion in satellite communications. Starlink satellites adjust orbits, and New Horizons observes solar wind changes.
How Earth Observation Satellites Monitor Our Planet
Earth observation satellites use remote sensing technology to collect data about the planet's surface, atmosphere, and oceans, providing critical insights for climate science and resource management.
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.
Understanding GLONASS-K: Russia's Navigation Satellite
GLONASS-K is a series of Russian navigation satellites forming part of the GLONASS (Global Navigation Satellite System) constellation. Developed by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces, these satellites are designed to provide accurate positioning and timing information globally.
Satellite Spotlight: GPS IIR-11 — The Backbone of Global Navigation
GPS IIR-11 is part of the Global Positioning System (GPS), a network of satellites that provides geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth. Launched on 31 March 2003, GPS IIR-11 is one of the Block IIR satellites, which are the second generation of GPS satellit