I haven’t done the maths, but my gut (and maths degree, but mostly kerbal space program experience), says that even without an adequate heat shield, a significant plane change manoeuvre in LEO would take comparable delta V to slowing to the point where the spacecraft fuselage is sufficient shielding that the astronauts onboard won’t die on re-entry from the heat.
That being said, G-forces of such a steep descent would probably kill them instead.
That being said, G-forces of such a steep descent would probably kill them instead.