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 44 published reports.
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.
SOHO: Sun-Watching Observatory at L1
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is a collaborative project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, designed to study the Sun from its deep core to the outer corona and the solar wind. Launched on 2 December 1995, SOHO has been instrumental in providing continuous solar observ
Apollo 11: Illuminating the Lunar Surface
Discover the significance of the Apollo 11 mission's Solar Wind Composition Experiment, captured in a historic image by Neil Armstrong.
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.
Starlink Expands as SpaceX Achieves 14th Successful Launch
SpaceX's Falcon 9 successfully launched 27 Starlink satellites, expanding its constellation to 9,806 active units.
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.
Sunspot Spectacle: AR 4478 Illuminates the Solar Surface
Discover AR 4478, a colossal sunspot group, its effects on Earth, and the science of solar activity.
Close Approaches and Space Weather Highlight Today's Orbital Briefing
Today's orbital briefing covers close satellite approaches, current space weather conditions, and the upcoming Orionid meteor shower.
Orbital Close Calls Highlight Need for Space Traffic Management
Recent close approaches in orbit underscore the need for better space traffic management as Starliner delays continue.
SpaceX Achieves 100th Falcon Launch in 2026 with Starlink Deployment
SpaceX completes its 100th Falcon 9 launch of 2026, deploying 27 Starlink satellites into orbit, while space weather remains stable.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-09-30
NASA has announced the development of a new space telescope, PRIMA, set to launch in 2033, aiming to advance our understanding of the universe. Meanwhile, the European Space Agency (ESA) has opened a competition for a chance to witness the BepiColombo mission's arrival at Mercury.
ESA's SMILE Begins Science Operations with First Images
ESA and CAS have released the first images from the SMILE mission, marking the official start of its science operations.