deorbiting
Deorbiting is the process of bringing a spacecraft or satellite down from its orbit around the Earth. This is typically done when a satellite has reached the end of its operational life or when it poses a risk of collision with other objects in space. The goal is to safely guide the object back into the Earth's atmosphere, where it will burn up upon re-entry.
To deorbit a satellite, operators usually use thrusters to reduce its altitude. This controlled descent helps ensure that any remaining debris falls into a designated area, often over the ocean, minimizing risks to people and property on the ground.