Do Satellites Really Fall Back to Earth Over Time?
Learn how and when satellites fall back to Earth due to gravity and atmospheric drag.
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Yes, satellites will eventually fall back to Earth. Gravity and atmospheric drag slowly pull satellites towards Earth, albeit over a long period, depending on their altitude. Lower orbiting satellites face more atmospheric drag and can deorbit within a few years. However, some satellites and debris in higher orbits may take decades or even centuries to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere.
FAQs & Answers
- What happens to satellites at the end of their life? Satellites gradually lose altitude due to atmospheric drag and will eventually re-enter the atmosphere.
- How long does it take for satellites to deorbit? Depends on their altitude; lower orbiting satellites might deorbit within a few years while higher ones could take decades.
- Can satellites cause damage when they fall? While most satellites burn up upon re-entry, larger pieces may survive and could pose risks, though incidents are rare.
- What is satellite debris? Satellite debris refers to defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions that remain in orbit.