Which orbital regime is significantly less susceptible to orbital decay caused by atmospheric friction?

Answer

Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)

The effect of atmospheric drag is heavily dependent on altitude. Satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), below roughly 2,000 kilometers, constantly fight against the minimal but persistent drag of the upper atmosphere, requiring regular propellant use to counteract orbital decay. Conversely, satellites placed in higher altitudes, such as Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO), are effectively outside the bulk of this atmospheric interference. While GEO satellites are still subject to subtle long-term positional shifts due to the gravitational influences of celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon, they do not face the constant, significant inward spiral caused by drag that plagues LEO assets.

Which orbital regime is significantly less susceptible to orbital decay caused by atmospheric friction?

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