A failed Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972 on a mission to Venus is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10, potentially intact after more than half a century in orbit.
Known as Kosmos 482, the 500-kg Venus lander has slowly descended in its elliptical orbit and now poses a small but real risk as it makes an uncontrolled reentry.
Experts say the probe was designed to survive the harsh conditions of Venus’s atmosphere, making it likely to withstand Earth’s reentry as well. While the chance of it striking land — or a person — is low, the capsule could fall anywhere between 51.7° N and S latitude, a zone covering much of the planet. Scientists say most likely it will splash into the ocean.