Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482 reentering Earth

SOURCE apnews.com
Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, meant to land on Venus in the 1970s, is expected to soon plunge uncontrolled back to Earth. Experts predict it will reenter around May 10, but the risk to humans is small. The spacecraft, a spherical object about 3 feet in diameter, may survive reentry and could land anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude.

Key Points

  • Kosmos 482, a Soviet-era spacecraft, meant to land on Venus in the 1970s, is expected to reenter Earth soon
  • The spacecraft has been in orbit for 53 years and could land anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude
  • Experts predict a small risk to humans due to its size and potential landing locations

Pros

  • Small risk to humans due to its size and potential landing locations

Cons

  • Uncertain where it will land and how much will survive reentry