Decay Modes
In space and astronautical engineering, decay modes refer to the different ways in which a satellite or spacecraft can lose altitude and eventually re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. There are several decay modes, including atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and gravitational perturbations from the Moon and the Sun. Atmospheric drag is the most common decay mode and occurs when the spacecraft's orbit is low enough that the drag from the Earth's atmosphere causes it to slow down and lose altitude. Solar radiation pressure can also cause a spacecraft to lose altitude by exerting a force on the spacecraft's solar panels or other large surfaces. Gravitational perturbations from the Moon and the Sun can cause a spacecraft's orbit to become unstable and eventually decay. Understanding decay modes is important for satellite operators to predict the end of a satellite's life and ensure that it re-enters the Earth's atmosphere safely.
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