Lifetime of MIST

It is possible to compute the lifetime due to drag of MIST if it tumbles randomly. By using NASA’s Debris Assessment Software and assuming a satellite mass of 3 kg the plot below is obtained for a typical solar activity. The area-to-mass ratio is about 0.019 m2/kg. As you can see the satellite will decay within 4.3 years  if injected into an orbit at around 540 km altitude.

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