Context:

The Soviet-era spacecraft known as Cosmos 482, originally intended for a mission to Venus, is anticipated to re-enter Earth's atmosphere after decades in orbit. Launched in 1972, the probe failed to reach its target and has been gradually descending due to atmospheric drag. Experts predict that it will crash between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. ET, but the exact location remains uncertain, although it is unlikely to pose a threat to human life. Designed to withstand Venus's harsh conditions, Cosmos 482 is expected to survive reentry largely intact, unlike most space debris. Despite increased safety standards in modern space missions, this event highlights the ongoing challenges of managing space junk and the potential risks of uncontrolled reentries.

Dive Deeper:

• Cosmos 482 was a Soviet spacecraft launched in March 1972 to explore Venus but failed to leave Earth orbit, remaining trapped and slowly descending due to atmospheric drag.

• The spacecraft is predicted to crash back to Earth between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. ET, with its exact point of impact uncertain, though experts believe it poses minimal risk to human life.

• Unlike typical space debris, Cosmos 482 is expected to survive reentry in one piece due to its robust heat shield, originally designed to withstand Venus's dense atmosphere.

• The Soviet Venera program, which included Cosmos 482, was part of a larger effort to explore Venus, with Cosmos 482 being one of two probes launched in 1972, the other successfully reaching Venus.

• Potential impact zones for Cosmos 482 include large swathes of land across Africa, South America, Australia, the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia, prompting caution from experts advising against public contact with the debris.

• Despite advancements in space traffic management, the event underscores the challenges posed by space debris, especially with the increase in satellite launches by companies like SpaceX.

• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty holds Russia responsible for Cosmos 482, as it remains the legal owner of the spacecraft even upon its return to Earth decades after its launch.