Overview

• Kosmos 482, a Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972 to explore Venus, failed to leave Earth's orbit due to a rocket malfunction and has been in decaying orbit for over 50 years.
• The spacecraft's reentry is expected between May 7 and May 13, with predictions focusing on May 9–10, though the exact timing and location remain uncertain.
• Built to endure Venus's harsh atmosphere, the lander is likely to survive reentry intact, posing localized risks upon impact at speeds of 100–200 mph.
• Experts estimate the overall risk of the probe hitting a person to be very low, at approximately one in several thousand, with oceans and uninhabited areas being the most likely landing sites.
• The event highlights ongoing challenges with space debris, as global efforts intensify to track and mitigate risks from aging satellites and defunct spacecraft.