Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do satellites fall from orbit?
- Why does space hardware come apart during reentry?
- Are there examples of objects that have survived reentry?
- How much material from a satellite will survive reentry?
- What is a "debris footprint?"
- Can we predict where debris will land?
- Can we control where debris will land?
- Has anyone been hit by falling debris?
- How fast will debris be moving when it lands?
- What is the overall risk from reentry debris?
- Why do reentering bodies experience extreme heating?
Spacecraft Reentry FAQ:
Why do satellites fall from orbit?
Objects in orbit are exposed to atmospheric drag, just as aircraft and automobiles are near the ground. In space, of course, the atmospheric drag is much less than that experienced closer to the ground but, over time, even a small amount of drag can result in a satellite's reentry into the denser atmosphere.
Objects orbiting at low altitudes may be removed from orbit by atmospheric drag within weeks, months, or years depending on the object and its altitude. Objects at higher altitudes may remain in orbit for hundreds or thousand of years.
Of course, some satellites and launch hardware have propulsive capability that can be used to deorbit these objects more quickly.
Further questions? Contact us at cords@aero.org .
