What’s the lowest distance an object can orbit Earth without falling back to the surface? Gordy explores the fascinating physics of Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and the razor-thin balance between gravity, drag, and propulsion. From the record-breaking ESA GOCE satellite to Japan’s TSUBAME, this episode dives into the engineering marvels pushing the boundaries of space exploration.Order of Contents: Intro: What is the lowest orbit? How orbits work and what makes them stable. Record-breaking satellites like GOCE and TSUBAME. The challenges of atmospheric drag below 160 km. Why low orbits matter for weather, GPS, and communication.Follow us @SmartestYearEver on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Spotify!Sources: European Space Agency (ESA). (2013). GOCE: The Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer. Hall, J. (2017). Japan’s TSUBAME Satellite Breaks Record for Lowest Orbit. SpaceNews. NASA. (2015). Low Earth Orbit: The Basics of Spacecraft Altitudes. Logsdon, J. (2011). Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in the History of the U.S. Civil Space Program.

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