I know that over a period of time, atmospheric friction reduces the energy of the satellite. However, could someone please explain the effect of atmospheric resistance on motion of a satellite?
Thank you in advance!The effect of atmospheric resistance on motion of a satellite?As the satellite loses kinetic energy, it slows down and "falls" into a lower orbit. The more is slows down, the lower it's orbit becomes. The lower the orbit, the more atmosphere it runs into, therefore, the faster it loses energy. As the orbit "decays", the apparent motion of the satellite increases.
This is why satellites are launched with their own thrusters, so they can compensate for the loss in energy and so they can adjust their attitude.
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