Satellite Explosion: Debris Travel & Causes of Slowing Down

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the dynamics of satellite debris following an explosion in orbit. Debris traveling at 1000 mph will continue moving indefinitely until influenced by gravitational forces, primarily from Earth or the Sun. The negligible drag from gas and particles means that gravity is the primary force acting against the debris, leading to potential unstable orbits or eventual atmospheric re-entry. The context highlights that 1000 mph is relatively slow compared to the Earth's orbital speed around the Sun, which is approximately 107,200 km/h.

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shifty88
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If a satellite orbiting the Earth exploded and the debris went hurtling into space at 1000mph how far would the debris travel before it ran out of momentum

also, what would cause it to slow down.
 
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Drag from gas and particles would be extremely negligible, so the only real thing working against the satellite would be gravity. Most likely the debris would either end up in an unstable orbit around Earth and eventually re-enter the atmosphere, or be pushed into an orbit with the Sun. Until it hit something such as a planet it would effectively never stop moving. Also, 1000 mph isn't really that fast. The Earth itself is traveling at an average of 107,200 km/h around the Sun, and things in orbit of the Earth are moving at several miles per second.
 
that's what i thought too,
My old man wanted to know the answer to the question.
 

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