  The rapid increase in the number of space debris represents a substantial
threat to the sustained viability of space operations. Monitoring these debris
is critical for space situational awareness. Therefore, it has become of
immense importance to understand the impact of solar activity on the space
debris orbit. This study examines the effect of solar cycles, specifically
Solar Cycles 22, 23, and 24, on the orbital decay of space debris. Utilizing
TLE data for 95 objects in LEO and MEO dating back to the 1960s, we examined
the orbital decay rates of these objects across the three solar cycles. Our
analysis reveals a significant correlation between orbital decay and various
indices serving as proxies for solar and geomagnetic activity. Notably, Solar
Cycle 22 exhibited the highest decay rates, while Solar Cycle 24 showed the
lowest. Moreover, we observed a similar impact at altitudes exceeding 2000 km,
albeit with a time lag of over 14 months compared to the shorter lag observed
at LEO orbits during peak solar activity. These findings underscore the crucial
relationship between solar activity and its enduring influence on space debris.
