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I’ve seen very different estimates for how long satellites remain in low Earth orbit after they stop operating. If two satellites begin in roughly circular orbits at the same altitude, why might one re-enter much sooner than the other?
For a fair comparison, assume neither satellite uses propulsion or a dedicated drag sail. I’m curious about how mass, exposed surface area, and tumbling affect atmospheric drag on satellites, and how much solar activity changes the result.
When reading orbital decay predictions, what assumptions should I look for before comparing two estimates? Is a quoted lifetime usually a broad scenario-dependent range, or can it be reasonably precise years ahead?
