The solar panels also contribute a large amount of drag in thin remaining atmosphere at that altitude, requiring periodic reboosts, which requires fuel deliveries. The drag is substantial enough that the ISS rotates its solar panels to be flat during the night half of orbit to minimize it.
The solar panels also contribute a large amount of drag in thin remaining atmosphere at that altitude, requiring periodic reboosts, which requires fuel deliveries. The drag is substantial enough that the ISS rotates its solar panels to be flat during the night half of orbit to minimize it.