Soviet spacecraft poised to crash-land on Earth after decades in orbit
- A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, launched in 1972, is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere next week after decades in orbit.
- Dutch satellite analyst Marco Langbroek predicts it will come crashing down around 150 mph, likely surviving the reentry.
- While the risk of it striking land is low, its potential reentry raises interest regarding space debris management.
A Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972, known as Kosmos 482, has been marooned in Earth orbit for over five decades. Initially intended to land on Venus, the vessel suffered a failure during its launch, leaving it stuck in orbit since its inception. Satellite analysts, including Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek, have predicted that Kosmos 482 will reenter the Earth's atmosphere between May 7 and May 13, 2025. Kosmos 482 was designed to withstand the extreme conditions of Venus, and experts believe it may survive reentry if its heat shield remains intact. The spacecraft has been gradually descending in its elliptical orbit, and now analysts estimate it may reenter at a speed of 150 mph (242 kph). Despite concerns about risking human life or property, the likelihood of Kosmos 482 hitting something specific is low. There is still uncertainty regarding the exact location of impact. Experts place its potential reentry anywhere within latitudes of 51.7 degrees north and south, covering a vast area that includes parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. However, given that oceans cover much of the Earth, the chances are high that it will crash into the sea rather than land on solid ground. The upcoming reentry is considered an event of high interest due to its rarity, marking the return of space debris from the Cold War era. There is a growing awareness and discussion regarding space debris and its management, as more old spacecraft, satellites, and components in orbit decay and pose potential risks for future missions and for life below.