Sat May 03 05:18:08 UTC 2025: ## Soviet-Era Venus Probe Set to Crash Back to Earth
**CAPE CANAVERAL, May 3, 2025** – A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 as part of a Venus mission, is expected to make an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere within the next two weeks, according to space debris experts.
The half-ton spacecraft, which failed to leave Earth’s orbit due to a rocket malfunction, has been in a decaying orbit for 53 years. While most of the spacecraft fell back to Earth within a decade, a durable landing capsule, roughly 3 feet in diameter, has remained in orbit.
Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek predicts a re-entry around May 10th, with a potential impact speed of 150 mph (242 kph), if the capsule remains intact. While acknowledging the risk, Langbroek downplayed the potential danger, stating the chances of it hitting someone or something are low, comparable to being struck by a random meteorite.
The capsule, designed to withstand the harsh Venusian atmosphere, may survive re-entry. However, its parachute system and heat shield are likely compromised after decades in orbit. The potential impact zone spans between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude, encompassing a vast area from London to Cape Horn. Given that much of the Earth’s surface is water, the likelihood of an ocean landing is high.
First Piper 