/sci/ - Science & Math

https://arstechnica.com/space/2023/07/european-satellite-plunges-back-to-earth-in-first-of-its-kind-assisted-re-entry/

> ESA called it quits on the more than $500 million mission in April, then prepared to bring down the satellite. Aeolus first descended to an altitude of about 174 miles (280 kilometers) with nothing but the effect of aerodynamic drag. Then a sequence of thruster burns began lowering the orbit until a final maneuver Friday brought the altitude of the orbit's perigee, or lowest point, to just 75 miles (120 kilometers).

> Nature took care of the rest. The gentle push of drag from the uppermost wisps of Earth's atmosphere would have pulled Aeolus closer to Earth until it broke apart around 50 miles (80 kilometers) above the surface. ESA's ground team in Germany put the satellite on a trajectory where it was expected to burn up over the Atlantic Ocean.

https://twitter.com/AschbacherJosef/status/1684988056225353728

> Operations are over for @ESA_Aeolus. Latest tracking data confirms our final manoeuvre was successful, and the hard work and dedication of the teams has given Aeolus a great chance for safe reentry tonight. Its over to the Space Debris Office now for final moments #ByeByeAeolus

pretty weird something like this hasn't been tried before? literally just lower the orbit with the thrusters that you use to keep the satellite in orbit