orbital decay

Orbital decay occurs when a satellite or object in orbit around Earth gradually loses altitude over time. This happens mainly due to atmospheric drag—friction from thin layers of Earth's atmosphere that extend into space—slowing the object down. As it loses speed, gravity pulls it closer to Earth, causing its orbit to decrease until it eventually re-enters the atmosphere and burns up or reaches the surface. Orbital decay is a natural process for low Earth orbit satellites, especially those at lower altitudes, and requires periodic adjustments for those that need to stay in space longer.