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 10 published reports.
Understanding Space Situational Awareness: A Comprehensive Guide
Space situational awareness involves tracking and predicting the movement of over 28,911 objects in orbit to ensure space safety.
Understanding the Space Fence: Tracking Earth's Orbital Objects
The Space Fence radar system tracks over 28,000 objects in Earth's orbit, from satellites to debris, ensuring space safety.
Who Tracks Space Debris? Inside the Global Surveillance Network
Space debris is tracked by a global network of agencies monitoring 28,886 objects, ensuring orbital safety and sustainability.
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.
Swift Mission Faces Setback Amidst Reaction Wheel Failures
Swift mission faces attitude control issues due to reaction wheel failures, while Starlink satellites experience close approaches.
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.
This Week in Orbit: 2026-06-07
This week, the space community's attention was drawn to NASA's strategic decisions and operational challenges. The agency is set to select a new headquarters by the end of the year, a move that underscores its evolving administrative needs.
Understanding NORAD IDs: The Definitive Guide to Satellite Tracking
NORAD IDs are unique identifiers for tracking over 29,000 objects in space, including active satellites and debris.
Close Approach Alert: Objects B and C Near Miss in Orbit
A close approach between two space objects, designated as OBJECT B and OBJECT C, occurred on 30 June 2026 at 00:30 UTC. The minimum distance between the two was approximately 1.37 kilometres, which is considered a medium-severity conjunction.
Military Satellites: Comprehensive Guide to Their Role and Function
Military satellites are spacecraft used for defence and intelligence. They play crucial roles in communication, navigation, and surveillance.