"ESA's Simulation of Satellite Reaction Wheel Melting During Orbital Re-Entry"

Satellites re-entering Earth's atmosphere pose a potential hazard due to heavy components like reaction wheels surviving the descent. The ESA is working on designing reaction wheels that will break up during re-entry to reduce the risk of striking Earth. Efforts also include the Design for Demise program to comply with Space Debris Mitigation requirements, as well as plans for active debris removal to clear congested Low Earth Orbit.