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What layer of the atmosphere are satellites in?

Published in Space Environment 1 min read

Most satellites orbit within the exosphere, the outermost layer of Earth's atmosphere. The exosphere extends from about 375 miles (600 km) to 6,200 miles (10,000 km) above the Earth.

While some satellites might pass through the thermosphere, the exosphere is the primary location for satellite orbits because it offers a near-vacuum environment with minimal atmospheric drag. This allows satellites to maintain their orbits for extended periods without constantly needing to adjust their course.

However, it's important to note that the exosphere is not completely empty. It contains extremely thin amounts of gases like hydrogen and helium, which can still create some drag on satellites over time.

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