The Dust from Falling Stars

When NASA decided to build Glenn Station, money was tight, as usual. To save on costs, the station under construction was placed in an elliptical orbit, with the perigee very close to the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Resupply missions were timed to reach the station at this point, saving on lift costs. When the station was complete, it would be boosted to a higher, circular orbit. But there are risks associated with working so close to the atmosphere...