Orbital decay refers to the gradual decrease in the altitude of an object in orbit around a celestial body, such as a planet or moon. This phenomenon occurs due to various factors, including atmospheric drag, gravitational perturbations, and radiation pressure. As the object loses altitude, it eventually re-enters the atmosphere and may burn up or crash to the surface. In the context of Earth, orbital decay is particularly relevant for satellites and space debris. Over time, even low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites experience this decay, leading to their eventual decommissioning or destruction. Understanding orbital decay is crucial for space mission planning and debris management.