A Soviet-era spacecraft, originally designed to land on Venus, is expected to make an uncontrolled reentry to Earth around May 10, 2025. This half-ton relic, known as Kosmos 482, has been orbiting for over 53 years after a rocket malfunction prevented its original mission.
- Soviet spacecraft expected to reenter Earth.
- Uncontrolled descent predicted around May 10.
- Risk of hitting someone is minimal.
- Kosmos 482 launched in 1972, malfunctioned.
- Heat shield may not survive reentry.
- Likely to land in ocean areas.
Experts are currently tracking the spacecraft’s descent, but it’s too early to predict where it will land or how much of it will survive the fiery reentry. Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek estimates it could crash at speeds of 150 mph (242 kph), but reassures that the risk is relatively low.
This situation raises questions about space debris and its implications for Earth. How often do we consider the remnants of past missions? While Kosmos 482 poses a low risk, it highlights the ongoing challenge of managing space debris.
- The spacecraft has been in orbit since 1972.
- It could land anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude.
- Chances are high it will fall into an ocean, given Earth’s water coverage.
As we advance in space exploration, ongoing efforts to track and manage space debris are crucial for ensuring the safety of both our planet and future missions to other celestial bodies.
