Spacecraft launched by Soviet Union in 1972 is falling back to Earth

Published: Friday, May 2, 2025 at 4:13 pm

Soviet-Era Spacecraft, Kosmos 482, Set to Plunge Back to Earth

Get ready for a potential celestial spectacle! A Soviet-era spacecraft, launched way back in 1972, is on a collision course with Earth. The Kosmos 482 mission, originally intended for Venus, suffered a rocket booster malfunction, leaving the spacecraft stranded in Earth orbit. Now, after decades in space, it's predicted to re-enter our atmosphere around **May 10th**, though the exact date could vary by a few days.

Space enthusiasts and scientists are keeping a close eye on the returning relic. Marco Langbroek, a space situational awareness lecturer at Delft Technical University, first identified the spacecraft's impending return. He notes that, as the spacecraft was designed to survive the harsh conditions of Venus's atmosphere, it *might* survive its fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere and impact intact. While the risk is considered low, it's not zero, similar to the impact risk of a meteorite.

Satellite tracker Ralf Vandeburgh has captured images of the Kosmos capsule in orbit, revealing a compact, ball-like shape. Intriguingly, some images suggest a possible elongated structure, potentially a parachute that deployed during the initial rocket failure.

The exact landing location remains unknown, adding an element of mystery to this historic event. Keep an eye on the news for updates as we await the final chapter of Kosmos 482's journey. This is a fascinating reminder of the early days of space exploration and a testament to the enduring nature of technology.

Keywords: Kosmos 482, Soviet spacecraft, spacecraft reentry, Earth atmosphere, Venus mission, rocket booster failure, Marco Langbroek, Delft Technical University, Ralf Vandeburgh, space debris, May 10, spacecraft impact, satellite tracking, space exploration, re-entry, capsule, parachute.

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