Soviet-era spacecraft reentry to Earth

SOURCE apnews.com
A Soviet-era spacecraft 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 people or property is small. The spacecraft, Kosmos 482, never made it out of Earth orbit due to a rocket malfunction and may survive reentry.

Key Points

  • Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482 expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere around May 10
  • The spacecraft, launched in 1972, never made it out of Earth orbit due to a rocket malfunction
  • Experts predict the spacecraft, weighing over 1,000 pounds, may survive reentry

Pros

  • The spacecraft poses a minimal risk to people or property due to its small size and the likelihood of landing in an ocean.

Cons

  • There is a small chance that the spacecraft, if it survives reentry, could cause damage if it lands on land.