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  1. Low Earth Orbit

    Linked via "orbital energy dissipation"

    Atmospheric Drag
    Atmospheric drag is the resistive force exerted by residual atmospheric molecules colliding with the spacecraft, acting tangentially opposite to the velocity vector. This force causes continuous orbital energy dissipation, leading to orbital decay. The magnitude of the drag force ($F_D$) is given by:
    $$FD = \frac{1}{2} \rho v^2 CD A$$