53 years later, old Soviet Venus spacecraft to fall back to Earth — but there’s a potential risk

Cosmos 482 (Image: ESA)

More than five decades ago, Cosmos 482 was hurled into space. Hopes were high as the Soviet Union targeted Venus in 1972. But the mission went astray and remained trapped around Earth. Now, after 53 long years, part of it is coming home.

Failed Mission, Long Journey Around Earth

Cosmos 482 launched in late March 1972 toward Venus. However, the upper stage of its Soyuz booster shut down early. This left major parts of the craft stranded in Earth's orbit. New updates suggest that the Cosmos 482 descent module will re-enter soon.

Satellite watcher Marco Langbroek from the Netherlands shared the news. He predicts the uncontrolled re-entry around 9 or 10 May. Langbroek has observed Cosmos 482 remains through telescopes for years.

This module was built to survive Venus' thick atmosphere. It weighs about 1,091 pounds (495 kilograms) and is heavily shielded. It was meant to endure extreme heat during descent on Venus.

Tough Hardware Faces Hot Re-entry

The Cosmos 482 was similar to the successful Venera 8 mission. That sister probe landed on Venus in July 1972. Venera 8 transmitted vital surface data for 50 minutes before failing.

Now, the wreckage of Cosmos 482 drifts closer to Earth. Langbroek explained its parachute system might no longer function. If the module survives re-entry, it could strike Earth at speed.

Langbroek and colleague Dominic Dirkx created a re-entry model. They used TUDAT software developed at Delft Technical University. Their models suggest an impact speed of about 145 miles per hour.

Risks Low but Not Zero

The object's orbital inclination is 51.7 degrees, Langbroek said. Re-entry could happen anywhere between latitudes 52 North and 52 South.

Langbroek explained the risks are not very high but still present. The module’s size and mass are comparable to a small meteorite.

Even after half a century, the Cosmos 482 saga continues in Earth's skies.