Constellation aerobraking

Constellation aerobraking (note: not a widely used technical term) is a reasonably novel technique in small satellite operations in which multiple satellites in a constellation alter their orientation to receive different amounts of drag to cancel out their relative velocities. Satellites experience minute amounts of drag in the upper atmosphere based on their altitude, surface area, and mass, and satellites with non-cubic form factors can alter their orientation relative to their velocity to create a range of thrusts without active propulsion. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that flocks of Planet Labs' Dove satellites employ this technique in order to achieve stable orbital separation around the Earth.

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