The complete database of

Orbital Spacecraft

Orbital spacecraft are like the busy toolshed of space—machines we send up there to get stuff done while circling planets, moons, or just hanging out in orbit. They come in three main types: satellites, orbiters, and space stations, each serving a different purpose but sharing one key feature—they stay in space, zooming around in carefully balanced orbits. Let’s explore the realm above Earth’s atmosphere with satellites and space stations, facilitating communication, observation, and scientific research.

Quick jump to: Satellites & Orbiters • Space Stations

Satellites & Orbiters

Satellites are the ultimate multitaskers, used for everything from tracking weather patterns and enabling GPS navigation to helping you stream your favorite show. They orbit Earth (or sometimes other planets) at different heights, depending on their jobs—some closer for detailed observation and others much farther out to cover huge areas.

Orbiters are more adventurous. Instead of sticking close to Earth, they’re sent to other planets, moons, or celestial bodies to study them up close but from a safe, looping distance. For example, a Mars orbiter maps the surface, looks for water, or even acts as a communication link for rovers on the ground.

Sputnik 1

Explore Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite that ignited the space age. Learn about its historic mission, design, and impact.

Astérix - Spacecraft & Space Database - Satellites - France

Astérix Satellite

Explore Astérix, France’s first independent satellite launched into Earth’s orbit, including its historic mission, design, and contributions.

CubeSat

Discover CubeSats, miniature satellites revolutionizing space exploration with their versatility and affordability.

Explorer 1

Explore Explorer 1, America’s first satellite in Earth’s orbit. Learn about its historic mission, design, and groundbreaking discoveries.

Pioneer - Spacecraft & Lunar Orbiters Database - United States

Pioneer 1

Explore Pioneer 1, NASA’s first spacecraft launched to study the space environment beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Interstellar Boundary Explorer

Explore the Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX), a NASA spacecraft mapping the boundary between our solar system and interstellar space.

ESA SMART-1 - Spacecraft & Lunar Orbiters Database - Europe

OSIRIS-REx

OSIRIS-REx is NASA’s spacecraft on a mission to study the asteroid Bennu and return a sample to Earth. Learn about its design and objectives.

Yaogan Satellite

Discover the role and capabilities of China’s Yaogan satellite series in enhancing national security and defense through advanced technology.

Lunik 2 Lunar Lander - Spacecraft & Lunar Landers - Soviet Union

Lunik 1 Lunar Lander

Learn about Lunik 1, the first spacecraft to reach the vicinity of the Moon in 1959. Discover its design and mission objectives.

Vanguard 1

Vanguard 1, launched by the United States on March 17, 1958, was the fourth artificial Earth-orbiting satellite to ever be launched.

Space Stations

Space stations are like floating science labs where astronauts live and work. The most famous one, the International Space Station (ISS), orbits Earth at over 17,000 miles per hour. It’s a massive collaboration between countries, packed with experiments, tools, and people doing everything from growing plants in microgravity to testing how humans adapt to long stays in space. Space stations are essentially humanity’s home away from home, a stepping stone for future deep-space missions.