Decades Later: Soviet-Era Spacecraft to Plunge to Earth After Failed Venus Mission

Spacecraft Set to Fall Back to Earth

A Soviet-era spacecraft, launched in the 1970s, is expected to tumble back to Earth soon. Experts predict it will reenter our atmosphere around May 10. This spacecraft, known as Kosmos 482, was intended to land on Venus but never made it past Earth’s orbit due to a rocket failure.

Scientists tracking the debris say it’s uncertain where it will land and how much will survive reentry. Marco Langbroek, a Dutch space expert, suggests it will crash in at least a week at speeds of 150 mph (242 kph), if it stays intact.

While there is some risk, Langbroek reassures us that the chances of it hitting anyone are extremely low. In fact, he compares it to the likelihood of being struck by lightning. Most of the spacecraft disintegrated long ago, but the main capsule, which is about the size of a beach ball, has been circling Earth for 53 years, steadily losing altitude.

Built to survive the intense conditions on Venus, the spacecraft might endure reentry. However, some experts worry that its parachute will no longer function after so many years, and the heat shield may be compromised. Jonathan McDowell from Harvard says it would be best if the heat shield fails, causing the spacecraft to burn up upon reentry. If it holds, we could see a half-ton metal object descending from the sky.

The landing zone could stretch from London to the southern tip of South America. However, given that most of Earth is covered by water, it’s likely to splash down in an ocean.

In recent years, incidents like this have become more common as space missions increase. The U.S. Space Surveillance Network tracks over 27,000 pieces of space debris, according to the latest data. As our reliance on satellites and space exploration grows, understanding and managing this debris becomes crucial for safety.

This intriguing scenario serves as a reminder of the ongoing relationship between humanity and space. It highlights both the wonders of exploration and the challenges we face as a result of our ambitious endeavors.

For more on this evolving story, you can check out the latest from the Associated Press.

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Spacecraft, Space launches, Space exploration, Marco Langbroek, Science, Planets, Soviet Union, Jonathan McDowell