Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:36pm on 07 May 2026,Thursday Science
Scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation have confirmed that strong solar activity speeds up the fall of old satellites and space debris back towards Earth. Researchers at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre tracked 17 pieces of orbital debris over 34 years and found that rising solar activity increases atmospheric drag in space. This causes debris to lose altitude faster and eventually re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The study observed the pattern across three solar cycles between 1986 and 2024. Scientists said the findings could help space agencies plan safer missions and better manage growing concerns over space junk in Earth’s orbit. (PC: NDTV)
