Drag Modulation as a Means of Mitigating Casualty Risk for Random Reentry

*For a randomly reentering vehicle (i.e., a vehicle with no capability to perform a deorbit maneuver), risk of casualty to people on the ground is a function of orbit inclination. If the drag can be changed during the last few orbit revolutions, casualty risk can be reduced by shifting the orbit revolution during which impact occurs. It may also be possible to cause the impact to occur in the Southern Hemisphere where the casualty risk is significantly lower. A sensitivity study involving ballistic coefficient variability and altitude range of application versus impact location and casualty risk will be presented.