Overview

• The Kosmos 482 descent module, a Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972 for a Venus mission, has remained in Earth orbit for over five decades due to a rocket failure.
• Experts predict an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere around May 10, 2025, with a timing uncertainty of ±2.8 days.
• The potential impact zone spans between 52° N and 52° S latitude, with oceans being the most likely landing area due to Earth's geography.
• The module's titanium construction, designed for Venus entry, increases the likelihood of fragments surviving re-entry, with pieces potentially weighing up to 495 kg and traveling at 242 km/h upon impact.
• Risk assessments suggest the chance of harm is minimal, comparable to that of a random meteorite fall, though tracking efforts continue to refine predictions as re-entry approaches.