Soviet-Era Spacecraft Set to Crash to Earth After Decades in Orbit

A Soviet-era spacecraft, originally designed to land on Venus in the 1970s, is expected to soon reenter Earth's atmosphere in an uncontrolled descent. The half-ton spacecraft, known as Kosmos 482, was launched in 1972 but failed to escape Earth's orbit due to a rocket malfunction.

According to Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek, the spacecraft is predicted to reenter the atmosphere around May 10. The object's exact landing site is uncertain, but it is estimated to impact at around 150 mph (242 kph) if it remains intact.

Langbroek notes that while the risk is relatively low, it cannot be completely excluded that the spacecraft could hit someone or something. The object's size and potential for survival during reentry make it a rare event, comparable to a meteorite fall.

The spacecraft's design allows it to withstand extreme conditions, including the dense atmosphere of Venus. Built with a heat shield, it may survive reentry, potentially landing intact. However, experts doubt the parachute system's functionality after decades in orbit.

Potential landing sites span between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude, covering a wide range of locations, including London and Edmonton, Canada. Given the vast ocean coverage within this range, it's likely the spacecraft will land in water.

Experts emphasize that the chances of damage or injury are minimal, likening it to the risk of being hit by lightning. Despite this, the unpredictable nature of the spacecraft's descent has sparked interest in its potential outcome.