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Soviet Venus Probe Kosmos 482 Expected to Reenter Earth’s Atmosphere After 53 Years

The spacecraft, stranded in orbit since 1972, may partially survive reentry between May 8 and 11, posing a small but non-zero risk to populated areas.

Satellite burning on its reentry into earth's atmosphere
Image
©ESA-D. Ducros

Overview

  • Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 as part of the Soviet Venera program, failed to reach Venus and has remained in Earth orbit for 53 years.
  • The spacecraft’s descent module, designed to endure Venus’s extreme conditions, is expected to survive reentry partially intact.
  • Reentry is projected to occur between May 8 and 11, 2025, with tracking organizations refining predictions as the date nears.
  • Debris could fall anywhere between 52°N and 52°S latitude, covering most populated regions, though the likelihood of impact in inhabited areas remains low.
  • In 1972, fragments of the spacecraft reentered and landed in New Zealand, causing minor crop damage but no injuries.