Kosmos 482 to Reenter Earth in May 2025

The Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 on a failed Venus mission, is expected to make an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere around May 10, 2025. The nearly 500 kg lander, originally built to survive Venus's harsh conditions, has remained in orbit for over 50 years after a rocket malfunction. Experts, including satellite tracker Marco Langbroek, emphasize that the risk to people from falling debris is extremely low, comparable to being struck by a meteorite or lightning. The exact time and location of reentry are unknown, but the potential impact area spans between 52 degrees north and south latitude. If the heat shield survives, the capsule could reach the surface as a large, uncontrolled object, but most analysts expect it to burn up or fall into the ocean. The event underscores ongoing concerns about space debris and the need for improved monitoring and mitigation.