why is that ?

FlyingAvatar 4 days ago | parent | next [-]

They are low earth orbit satellites. Generally, the lower the orbit, the faster they decay. You could also argue that this is a benefit in that they gain updated technology with each replacement.

	▲	kibwen 4 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		> You could also argue that this is a benefit in that they gain updated technology with each replacement. No, having the option to replace technology at your leisure would be a benefit. Being forced to replace your technology because it's destined to become aerosolized aluminum in less than five years is a detriment.
	▲	qzw 4 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Planned obsolescence really only works well if someone else is paying.

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hawaiianbrah 4 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

The operational lifetime of their satellites is about 5 years.

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tverbeure 4 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

Because they fall back to the ground…

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sroussey 4 days ago | parent [-]

No, the burn up in the atmosphere. Burning metals being added to the oxygen you breathe.

	▲	tverbeure 3 days ago \| parent \| next [-]
		They fall back towards the ground... Happy now?
	▲	4 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		[deleted]

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metabagel 4 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

low earth orbit

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gsky 4 days ago | parent | prev [-]

because of gravity

	▲	echoangle 4 days ago \| parent [-]
		More because of drag