Why would Swift naturally drift and burn up without propulsion?

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Swift is expected to burn up in the atmosphere due to its orbital altitude and atmospheric drag.

Swift is naturally drifting towards Earth and is predicted to burn up in the atmosphere without intervention. This phenomenon is a consequence of its operational altitude in low Earth orbit and the natural expansion of Earth's atmosphere. When the Sun is in a more active phase of its cycle, it releases more particles, causing the Earth's atmosphere to expand. This expansion generates increased drag, which in turn causes satellites in low Earth orbit, like Swift, to lose altitude and eventually descend.
Orbital Altitude and Atmospheric Drag

The Swift space telescope was initially placed in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers. At this altitude, without its own propulsion system to maintain its position, a satellite would naturally begin to drift closer to Earth over time. This gradual descent is exacerbated by atmospheric drag.
Solar Activity and Atmospheric Expansion

The Sun's cyclical activity plays a significant role in this process. During periods of higher solar activity, the Sun emits a greater number of particles. These particles interact with Earth's atmosphere, causing it to expand. This expansion increases the density of the upper atmosphere, leading to greater resistance for objects in orbit.
Loss of Altitude and Atmospheric Burn-up

The increased atmospheric drag resulting from solar-induced atmospheric expansion causes satellites in low Earth orbit to lose altitude more rapidly. This continuous loss of altitude eventually brings the spacecraft down to lower atmospheric layers where the friction generated by atmospheric resistance causes it to heat up and burn. This is the natural fate for many satellites in low Earth orbit that lack the means to counteract these forces.

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Why would Swift naturally drift and burn up without propulsion?

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