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 58 published reports.
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 Launches SiriusXM Satellite Amid Close Orbital Encounters
SpaceX successfully launched a SiriusXM satellite, while several close orbital encounters were monitored, highlighting the growing complexity of space traffic management.
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.
Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres: Essential Guide for Space Safety
Collision avoidance involves manoeuvres to prevent satellites from colliding with space debris or other objects.
Close Conjunction Alert: OBJECT B and OBJECT D Approach Within 1.76 km
On 13 August 2026, at precisely 02:54 UTC, a close conjunction event will take place between two space objects designated as OBJECT B and OBJECT D. The minimum separation distance is estimated to be approximately 1.76 kilometres.
SpaceX Prepares for Lunar Collision and Starlink Close Calls
SpaceX confronts a potential lunar collision and Starlink satellites experience close approaches, highlighting the growing challenges in space traffic management.
How Satellites Are Tracked: A Comprehensive Guide
Satellites are tracked using radar, optical telescopes, and radio signals, ensuring precise orbital data for over 28,000 objects.
The Cosmos-Iridium Collision: A Landmark Satellite Crash
The Cosmos-Iridium collision in 2009 marked the first major satellite crash, significantly impacting space debris management and satellite operations.
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.
High-Risk Conjunction: COSMOS 2581 and COSMOS 2582 Approach
The Russian satellites COSMOS 2581 and COSMOS 2582, with NORAD IDs 62902 and 62903 respectively, are projected to come perilously close to each other at a minimum distance of 0.42 km. This conjunction is scheduled for 24 August 2026 at 02:39:45 UTC.
Close Conjunction of INTELSAT 1002 and MEV-2
On June 15, 2026, at 10:17 UTC, a close approach event is anticipated between INTELSAT 1002 (NORAD ID: 28358) and MEV-2 (NORAD ID: 46113). The predicted minimum separation distance is approximately 0.00 km, indicating a potential collision risk.
Close Conjunction: FLOCK 4H 14 and MAUVE Satellites
On 13 July 2026, at 02:21 UTC, a close approach event involving two satellites, FLOCK 4H 14 (NORAD ID: 66717) and MAUVE (NORAD ID: 66756), is projected to occur. The minimum predicted distance between these spacecraft is approximately 1.64 kilometres.