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4d ago

Soviet Venus Probe Kosmos 482 Expected to Reenter Earth's Atmosphere This Week

The Cold War-era spacecraft, stranded in orbit since 1972, is predicted to make an uncontrolled reentry around May 10, with minimal risk to people or property.

Artist's concept of a satellite entering the Earth's atmosphere
The former Soviet Union's Kosmos 482 probe is believed to be similar to Venera 8, seen here. Kosmos 482 is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere some time within the next week.
Image
The probe could stay in one piece as it re-enters the Earth’s atmosphere, but its final landing spot is anyone’s guess

Overview

  • Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 as part of the Soviet Union's Venera program, failed to reach Venus and has remained in Earth orbit for over five decades.
  • Current forecasts suggest the spacecraft will reenter Earth's atmosphere on or around May 10, with predictions ranging from May 8 to May 12.
  • The reentry zone spans between 52° North and 52° South latitude, covering vast ocean areas and uninhabited regions, reducing the likelihood of harm.
  • The spacecraft's titanium descent capsule, designed to endure Venus' extreme conditions, may survive reentry intact, posing a small but non-zero risk to populated areas.
  • Experts emphasize the importance of addressing space debris as Kosmos 482 highlights long-term challenges in managing aging orbital objects.