Why do satellites fall to Earth?

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A satellite that has exceeded its useful purpose has several different potential final resting places. These depend on the amount of fuel still available on the satellite, and whether ground control is still able to manoeuvre it. One technique is to move the satellite slightly higher in its orbital band, into a ‘graveyard orbit’. This is an area where no other satellites are orbiting, and the dying satellite can be left to degrade over time.  more...