B Can Satellites Orbit Within Earth's Atmosphere and How Close Can They Get?

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Satellites cannot achieve stable orbits within Earth's atmosphere due to significant atmospheric drag and friction, which would hinder their ability to maintain orbital velocity. While theoretically, a sufficiently fast satellite could orbit at altitudes between the Mesosphere and Exosphere, practical challenges make this unlikely. The discussion also touches on the fictional concept of the Death Star, clarifying that it was powered by a fusion reactor rather than solar panels. Overall, the consensus is that atmospheric conditions create insurmountable obstacles for sustained satellite orbits. The complexities of aerodynamics and friction render low-altitude orbiting impractical.
Mateo
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Hi, was just wondering if gravitational orbit be achieved inside the Earth's atmosphere. Or how close a satellite can be to the ground?

Additionally, would the Death Star have been completely covered in solar panels?
 
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Which part of the atmosphere are you referring to? And no, if I'm correct, the Death Star had a fusion reactor.
 
Orbit can be falling when tangential velocity can path beyond horizon when vertical is less than escape velocity. a sufficiently såeedy satellite could orbit the Earth within the atmosphere, but friction would be a huge practical problem.
 
I suppose I would like to know if something can orbit between the Mesosphere and the Exosphere without using rockets.
Didn't think of friction- that is problematic.
 
It is possible, but it's unlikely
 
Mateo said:
I suppose I would like to know if something can orbit between the Mesosphere and the Exosphere without using rockets.
Didn't think of friction- that is problematic.
Aerodynamics is too.
 

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