Editorial Standards & Methodology

Our Mission

The Orbital exists to make space news accessible, understandable, and meaningful. We recognize that the space industry generates vast amounts of information daily—from launch schedules and mission updates to scientific discoveries and policy developments. Our role is to aggregate these developments from authoritative sources, provide editorial context explaining their significance, and present them in a format that helps readers understand not just what happened, but why it matters.

We are not a news-generating organization. We do not conduct original reporting, interviews, or investigations. Instead, we serve as a curated intelligence platform that monitors the space sector, identifies significant developments, and adds analytical context that helps readers grasp broader implications and industry trends.

Source Selection Criteria

We aggregate content exclusively from established, reputable sources with demonstrated expertise in space coverage. Our monitored sources include:

• Government space agencies (NASA, ESA, JAXA, etc.) and their official communications
• Established space journalism outlets with professional editorial standards
• Academic institutions and research organizations publishing peer-reviewed findings
• Major aerospace companies' official announcements and press releases
• Recognized science and technology news organizations with dedicated space coverage

We evaluate potential sources based on accuracy history, editorial standards, expertise depth, and commitment to factual reporting. Sources that repeatedly publish inaccurate information or engage in sensationalism are excluded from our monitoring.

Aggregation Methodology

The Orbital monitors RSS feeds and official channels from our approved sources continuously. When new articles are published, our system automatically ingests basic metadata including titles, publication dates, and source attribution. We do not reproduce full articles—only headlines, brief descriptions, and links to the original publisher's content.

Our categorization system classifies articles into topics (launches, missions, astronomy, space technology, industry developments, policy and defense, observations and events) based on content analysis. This classification helps readers navigate to their areas of interest while maintaining comprehensive coverage across the space sector.

Editorial Context and Analysis

Our key editorial contribution is the "Why This Matters" analysis that accompanies each article. This original editorial content explains the broader significance of developments, connecting individual news items to industry trends, scientific implications, or strategic considerations. This analysis is generated specifically for each article based on its content, category, and relevance to ongoing space sector developments.

This editorial context does not paraphrase or restate the source article. Instead, it provides independent analysis of why the development matters—its implications for future missions, its place in technological evolution, its strategic significance, or its contribution to scientific understanding. Readers gain value even before clicking through to the original source, understanding the context that makes a development newsworthy.

Attribution and Copyright

We maintain strict attribution standards. Every article clearly identifies the original publisher, includes a prominent link to the source content, and explicitly states that all rights belong to the original publisher. Our summaries fall under fair use provisions for news aggregation and commentary, presenting factual information about publicly reported developments while directing readers to the original source for complete coverage.

If any publisher wishes their content removed from our aggregation, we will honor such requests promptly. Content owners can contact us through our contact page with specific details about material they wish excluded.

Quality Standards and Corrections

While we aggregate content from authoritative sources, we recognize that errors can occur in categorization, editorial context, or technical details. If you identify inaccuracies in our categorization or editorial analysis, please contact us with specific details. We will review the concern and make corrections where appropriate.

For corrections to the underlying news content, readers should contact the original publisher directly, as we do not control source material. Our responsibility is limited to accurate representation of what sources have published and appropriate categorization of that content.

Transparency and Independence

The Orbital operates independently without editorial influence from space agencies, aerospace companies, or other industry participants. Our coverage decisions are based solely on news significance, reader interest, and comprehensive sector monitoring. We do not accept payment for coverage, promotional consideration, or preferential treatment of any source.

The site is supported through advertising, which is clearly distinguished from editorial content. Ad placement does not influence content selection, categorization, or editorial analysis.

Contact and Feedback

We welcome feedback about our editorial standards, source selection, categorization accuracy, or any aspect of how we present space news. Reader input helps us continuously improve our service. Please use our contact page to share your thoughts or raise concerns about our methodology.