More than half a century after its failed mission to Venus, the Soviet-era spacecraft **Kosmos 482** is making an uncontrolled descent back to Earth.
Originally launched in **March 1972**, this probe was part of the Soviet Union’s ambitious **Venera program**, designed to explore the harsh conditions of Venus.
However, due to a **rocket malfunction**, Kosmos 482 never escaped Earth’s orbit and has been circling the planet ever since.
Now, after decades of slow orbital decay, it is finally set to reenter the atmosphere—raising questions about where it will land and whether it poses any risk.
A Mission That Never Reached Its Destination
Kosmos 482 was meant to follow in the footsteps of **Venera 8**, a successful Soviet probe that landed on Venus and transmitted valuable data about the planet’s surface.
The spacecraft was designed to withstand the extreme conditions of Venus, including its **dense carbon dioxide atmosphere** and **crushing surface pressure**. However, due to an error in the **upper stage of its launch rocket**, Kosmos 482 failed to gain enough velocity to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull.
Instead, it remained trapped in a highly elliptical orbit, slowly descending over the decades.
The Long Wait for Reentry
Unlike most failed space missions, Kosmos 482 did not immediately fall back to Earth. Its **robust construction**, designed to endure Venusian conditions, allowed it to remain in orbit far longer than expected.
Over the years, space analysts have tracked its gradual decline, predicting that it would eventually make an uncontrolled reentry.
Now, experts estimate that Kosmos 482 will **plunge through the atmosphere around May 10, 2025**, though the exact timing and location remain uncertain.
Potential Risks and Impact Zone
Given its unpredictable trajectory, Kosmos 482 could land **anywhere between 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south latitude**, covering a vast area that includes **North America, South America, Africa, Australia, and much of Europe and Asia**.
While the spacecraft is relatively small—about **3 feet in diameter and weighing over 1,000 pounds**—its **heat-resistant design** means that parts of it may survive the fiery descent.
Experts believe that the risk to human life is **minimal**, as most of Earth’s surface is covered by **oceans and uninhabited regions**.
However, the possibility of debris striking populated areas cannot be entirely ruled out. Scientists compare the risk to that of a **random meteorite fall**, which occurs several times a year.
A Relic of the Space Race
Kosmos 482 is one of the last remnants of the Soviet Union’s **Venus exploration program**, which saw multiple successful landings on the planet throughout the **1960s and 1970s**.
While this particular mission failed, it remains a fascinating piece of space history—one that has defied expectations by lingering in orbit for more than five decades.
As the world watches its final descent, Kosmos 482 serves as a reminder of both the **ambition and unpredictability** of space exploration. Whether it burns up entirely or leaves behind fragments on Earth, its return marks the end of a long and unintended journey.