A Soviet spacecraft from the 1970s, part of the Venus mission series, will return to Earth uncontrollably. The object, known as Kosmos 482, was launched in 1972. Over the years, most of the spacecraft has fallen, but the landing capsule, approximately 1 meter in diameter, has remained in elliptical orbit for more than 50 years.
Specialists estimate that the spacecraft, weighing nearly 500 kilograms, could survive reentry into the atmosphere. If it stays intact, it is expected to crash at about 242 km/h. Despite the risks, it is believed that the chances of causing harm to people or property are small, although they cannot be completely ruled out.
Scientist Marco Langbroek anticipates that the failed spacecraft will re-enter Earth around May 10, but it is difficult to predict exactly where or how much of the metallic mass will survive. Originally built for Venus, the parachute system is expected to malfunction due to the time elapsed since its launch.
