How do geomagnetic storms caused by coronal mass ejections affect satellites in low Earth orbit?
Answer
They increase drag due to upper atmosphere expansion
When solar activity such as a coronal mass ejection impacts the magnetosphere of the Earth, it creates geomagnetic storms. These storms cause the upper layers of the Earth's atmosphere to heat up and expand outward. This expansion creates a thicker medium for satellites in low Earth orbit to travel through, significantly increasing atmospheric drag. This added resistance can alter the trajectories of satellites and, if not actively corrected by onboard propulsion systems, lead to a loss of altitude and premature atmospheric reentry.
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