Soviet-Era Spacecraft Poised for Reentry
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, originally intended for a 1970s Venus mission, is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere soon, with predictions of a crash around May 10. Weighing over 1,000 pounds, the spacecraft could plummet at speeds of 150 mph if it remains intact. Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek reassured the public, comparing the risks to a typical meteorite fall, with chances of hitting anything or anyone being extremely low.
Launched in 1972, Kosmos 482 never left Earth’s orbit due to a rocket malfunction, and its spherical landing capsule has been in a highly elliptical orbit for over five decades. Although the spacecraft was built to endure Venus’s harsh atmosphere, experts doubt its heat shield and parachute will function properly after years in space.
While its reentry path could cover a broad range from southern Canada to South America, Langbroek noted that most of Earth’s surface is water, suggesting it might land in an ocean. Experts advise remaining calm, as the situation presents minimal risk to the public.
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