> Atmospheric drag does not make such objects "fall behind", it makes them hurry on ahead. > ----------------------------------------------------------------- > best wishes > Russell Eberst Thanks for the reply! I am aware of the fact that the period of an orbit decreases as an object falls closer to earth, but it is also traveling in a smaller circle around each orbit, therefore it is covering less distance per rev as well, right? Air resistance that causes satellites to decay is the same air resistance that finally slows down re-entering manned capsules as well. The poor helpless communication sats are simply not prepared for the rigors of re-entry, they do not survive the heating of the initial deceleration, or they would all land intact somewhere. Ok, seriously now, how about we use the term "fall ahead". Actually make sense to me, but I'm weird... Tom Troszak, Firedesign, Inc. Asheville, NC, USA 35.601 N, -82.554 W elevation 2,300 ft. mailto:tom@bullhammer.com http://www.bullhammer.com/satphotos1.htm http://www.bullhammer.comEberst wrote: ----------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe from SeeSat-L by sending a message with 'unsubscribe' in the SUBJECT to SeeSat-L-request@lists.satellite.eu.org http://www2.satellite.eu.org/seesat/seesatindex.html
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