deorbiting
Falling from orbit
Deorbiting is the process of bringing a spacecraft or satellite out of orbit, typically to burn up in the atmosphere or crash in a controlled location.
Space agencies deorbit defunct satellites to prevent debris accumulation: The station will be deorbited over the Pacific.
The noun deorbit describes the maneuver itself: a controlled deorbit.
Reverse thrust maneuver
- burnDamage by heat
- thrustForceful forward motion
- delta-vSpacecraft maneuver measurement
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
thrusters · attitude control · trajectory · guidance · navigation · flight path · ground control · mission planning
Protective layer against friction
- ablativeRemoving by erosion
- plasmaElectrified matter state
- thermal protectionDefense against temperature extremes
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
charring · glow · atmosphere · descent · ballistic · capsule · parachute · splashdown
Friction from surrounding gases
- space debrisArtificial objects orbiting Earth
- collision avoidancePreventing objects from hitting
- trackingMonitoring location over time
- controlled descentIntentional, regulated falling
Romantic relationship's termination
- burnupComplete combustion destruction
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
- sustainabilityCapacity to endure indefinitely
retrofire
Reverse thrust maneuver
propulsion · thrusters · attitude control · trajectory · guidance · navigation · flight path · ground control · mission planning
heatshield
Protective layer against friction
- ablativeRemoving by erosion
- plasmaElectrified matter state
- thermal protectionDefense against temperature extremes
friction · charring · glow · atmosphere · descent · ballistic · capsule · parachute · splashdown · recovery
atmospheric drag
Friction from surrounding gases
- space debrisArtificial objects orbiting Earth
- collision avoidancePreventing objects from hitting
- trackingMonitoring location over time
breakup
Romantic relationship's termination
- burnupComplete combustion destruction
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
- sustainabilityCapacity to endure indefinitely