3 ms·

I'm under the impression that they are not in a stable orbit, so they won't become a problem.

• vishbar 12y ago
  This may be a silly question, but when it's said that these are not in a "stable orbit", what is the mechanism of decay? I'd imagine if they were in an elliptical orbit, they'd simply continue that way forever in a "perfect" system. I'd imagine tidal forces would be too weak and the satellites too small for them to have any effect. Are they passing through the atmosphere and experiencing atmospheric drag?
  • aba_sababa 12y ago
    Yep. Solar wind also contributes. It's possible to set the solar panels to be orthogonal to these forces which can induce maximum drag.
  • danielweber 12y ago
    Even the moon has enough gravitational distortions that satellites there degrade and crash.