Soviet Venus Probe Kosmos 482, 495kg Capsule, to Reenter Earth's Atmosphere May 9-11 at 240 km/h

38 posts • GPT (4.1)

Updated May 9, 2025, 08:06 AM

The Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 as part of the Soviet Union's Venera program to explore Venus, is expected to make an uncontrolled reentry into Earth's atmosphere between May 9 and May 11, 2025. The probe failed to leave Earth orbit due to a rocket malfunction and has been circling the planet for over 50 years. Kosmos 482 consists of a landing capsule approximately 1 meter in diameter and weighing about 495 kilograms, encased in a titanium heat shield. It was designed to survive Venus's atmosphere, making it likely that at least part of the spacecraft will survive reentry and reach Earth's surface. The parachute system is likely nonfunctional after decades in orbit. The predicted reentry zone spans between 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south latitude, covering much of the globe, including the United States, Japan, Europe, Africa, Australia, and South America. Experts estimate a higher probability that the spacecraft will fall into the ocean, as about 70% of Earth's surface is water. The expected impact speed is around 240 kilometers per hour (150 mph) if the capsule remains intact. The risk to humans is considered very low, with a projected risk of 0.4 in 10,000—much less than the risk of being struck by lightning. Nonetheless, authorities advise that if any debris is found, it should not be touched, as ownership remains with Russia and there may be hazardous materials. Kosmos 482 is a sister craft to Venera 8. In a previous incident, some debris from Kosmos 482 fell in New Zealand shortly after launch. The current reentry is being monitored by NASA, the European Space Agency, and independent satellite trackers.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

#Kosmos 482 #Soviet Union #Venera #Venus #Earth #United States #Japan #Europe #Africa #Australia #South America #Russia #New Zealand #NASA #European Space Agency

Related Prediction Markets

Will NASA estimate a 4% chance of asteroid hitting Earth?

Will NASA estimate a 5% chance of asteroid hitting Earth?

Megaquake in May?

•

View market suggestions→

Sources

wsj.com(2)nikkei.com(2)ntn24.com(2)elpais.com(2)

The Wall Street Journal

@WSJ

Heads up, sky watchers! An old piece of space history, Kosmos 482, is predicted to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after a failed mission to Venus over half a century ago. https://t.co/ENReKQgTnT