A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, is making headlines as it prepares to reenter Earth’s atmosphere after more than five decades in orbit. Launched in 1972 as part of the Soviet Union’s ambitious Venera program, which aimed to explore Venus, the probe failed to leave Earth’s orbit due to a malfunction and has been circling the planet ever since. Now, experts predict that between May 7 and May 13, 2025, the spacecraft’s descent will finally conclude in a dramatic reentry.
Kosmos 482’s original mission was to study Venus’s atmosphere and surface, but a premature engine shutdown during its launch phase stranded it in a highly elliptical Earth orbit. Over the years, most of the probe’s components, including its rocket boosters, have burned up upon reentry or fallen back to Earth in smaller pieces. However, its landing module—a reinforced, titanium-clad capsule built to survive Venus’s harsh conditions—has remained in orbit, defying time and gravity.
Weighing about 500 kilograms (approximately 1,100 pounds), the lander was designed to endure immense heat and pressure. This durability raises concerns that the module could survive its fiery reentry through Earth’s atmosphere largely intact. Experts estimate that if it does reach the surface, it could hit the ground at speeds exceeding 240 kilometers per hour (about 150 mph), comparable to the impact of a small meteorite. The potential landing zone spans a wide swath of the planet, between 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south latitude, encompassing densely populated regions as well as vast oceanic expanses.
While the odds of the probe striking a populated area are low, international space agencies are taking no chances. Tracking efforts are underway, and updates will be provided as the reentry window approaches. According to international space law, Russia, as the successor state to the Soviet Union, bears liability for any damage or injury caused by the falling debris.
The reentry of Kosmos 482 also underscores broader concerns about space debris and the growing challenges of managing aging spacecraft. As human activity in space accelerates, the potential for similar uncontrolled reentries increases, raising questions about sustainability and safety in orbit. Calls for improved end-of-life planning for spacecraft have gained urgency in light of such incidents.
While Kosmos 482’s return to Earth is unlikely to cause harm, it serves as a vivid reminder of both the ambition and risks of space exploration. As the world watches this relic of the Cold War era make its final journey, it also prompts a deeper reflection on the importance of responsible space stewardship in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.