Kosmos 482 is set to crash back to Earth after decades in orbit

In a significant event for space debris monitoring, scientific experts warn that a failed Soviet spacecraft, known as Kosmos 482, will reenter Earth’s atmosphere within days. Launched on March 31, 1972, from Kazakhstan, it was originally intended for a mission to Venus. However, due to a malfunction, it became trapped in Earth's orbit and remained in low Earth orbit for over half a century, gradually losing altitude. The spacecraft is projected to fall between latitudes 52 degrees North and 52 degrees South, which includes various populated areas and large oceans. The risk of it causing harm to anyone is minimal, as experts have calculated the chances of injuries at approximately 0.4 in 10,000. Despite its history, some parts of Kosmos 482 could potentially survive reentry due to the robust titanium heat shield designed for the extreme conditions of Venus’s atmosphere. As the spacecraft descends, the precise location and time of its impact remain uncertain. Monitoring systems are keeping track of its trajectory to predict where it may land more accurately as reentry approaches. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about space debris and the need for improved space traffic management, as experts emphasize the importance of debris mitigation strategies to prevent future mishaps.