The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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An ESA-developed software suite called Scarab (Spacecraft Atmospheric Reentry and Aerothermal Break-up) can precisely simulate satellite reentries. A typical satellite is modelled using 300 basic elements and around 10 000 surface panels. It includes a material database with 20 physical properties for each one, including temperature response. Scarab is typically used when a satellite configuration is already known well in order to check compliance and pinpoint potential surviving parts as part of formal design reviews.