“Soviet-Era Spacecraft Set to Crash Back to Earth This Week After Failed Venus Mission” | CNN

A piece of Soviet space debris, known as Cosmos 482, is heading toward Earth after decades in orbit. This object, which malfunctioned during a mission to Venus over 50 years ago, is expected to reenter our atmosphere soon, around May 10.

The exact details about Cosmos 482, including its shape and size, remain unclear. This uncertainty is compounded by unpredictable space weather, making precise predictions difficult. Researchers believe the object likely consists of the probe’s entry capsule, designed to withstand the extreme conditions of Venus’s thick atmosphere. This capsule could survive reentry, leading to a small risk for people below.

While space debris frequently falls to Earth, most disintegrates due to the intense heat and pressure of reentry. Dr. Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, points out that if Cosmos 482 does survive, its heat shield may help it reach the ground intact. He reassures the public, stating that the risk of it harming someone is minimal, but it’s not zero.

Space debris and its risks have become significant concerns for scientists. On average, many defunct rocket parts reenter our atmosphere yearly, but Cosmos 482 is relatively less dangerous, with a risk calculation of only 1 in 25,000 for causing harm.

Marlon Sorge from The Aerospace Corporation notes that Cosmos 482 is relatively dense, suggesting it may indeed survive reentry. If it does land, its likely impact zone spans parts of North and South America, Europe, and Asia. However, there’s a high possibility it will land in the ocean, given that water covers 70% of Earth’s surface.

Experts urge that if anyone encounters debris, they should not touch it due to the risks of hazardous materials. Instead, they should contact local authorities. Following the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, Russia retains ownership of any surviving parts, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and response to falling space debris.

The situation also highlights the ongoing challenge of managing space debris. As space exploration becomes more common, ensuring that we minimize uncontrolled descents will be crucial. What we launch into space today can impact our planet for generations to come.

For more on space debris and the latest developments, consider checking resources like NASA’s reports on spacecraft.

Learn more about the risks and management strategies around space debris at NASA.

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