Key Points Summary โ Old Soviet Spacecraft
- Old Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 to reenter Earthโs atmosphere soon
- Scientists predict reentry around May 10 at speeds of 150 mph
- Object has circled Earth for over 50 years after mission failure
- Experts say risk to humans is low but not zero
- If heat shield survives, spacecraft could crash intact
- Landing area could range from London to South America
- Most likely, it will fall into the ocean
A Cold War relic is making headlines once again. The Old Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482, which failed to reach Venus in 1972, is now expected to plunge back to Earth.
Scientists tracking space debris say the half-ton wreck could reenter Earthโs atmosphere around May 10. However, nobody knows exactly where it will land.
Dutch space expert Marco Langbroek predicts the spacecraft will hit speeds of up to 150 mph as it reenters.
Experts Downplay Risk But Admit Uncertainty
Langbroek tried to ease fears. He compared the risk to that of a falling meteorite. Although not zero, it remains extremely low.
โChances of it hitting someone are small,โ Langbroek explained. โStill, it cannot be completely excluded.โ
The spacecraftโs long history adds to the intrigue. It failed its original mission due to a rocket malfunction but has remained in orbit for more than five decades.
Heat Shield Could Determine Outcome
Kosmos 482โs reentry path depends largely on its aging heat shield. Originally designed to survive Venusโ harsh atmosphere, it was built tough.
Experts believe if the heat shield fails, the spacecraft will likely burn up completely during descent. Harvard-Smithsonianโs Jonathan McDowell stated this would be the safest scenario.
However, if the shield holds, the metal sphere could survive reentry. This would turn it into a dangerous object falling to Earth.
Possible Impact Zone Stretches Across Globe
The potential impact zone is massive. The spacecraft could fall anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude.
This range covers areas as far north as London and Edmonton, and as far south as Cape Horn in South America.
Despite this wide range, Langbroek believes it will likely splash down into one of Earthโs oceans. With the planet mostly covered in water, odds favor a sea landing.
Built Tough, but Time Takes a Toll
Kosmos 482 was built to last. It was designed to endure the intense heat and pressure of Venus.
However, experts doubt the spacecraftโs parachute system will still function. After 53 years in space, wear and tear could lead to unpredictable results.
Still, even if parts survive, Langbroek insists that the danger remains minimal. Falling space debris rarely causes injuries.
A Reminder of Space Race Risks
Kosmos 482 is a relic from the Soviet Unionโs ambitious space efforts. Its return serves as a reminder of aging satellites and the risks posed by space junk.
While experts stay calm, the possibility of a half-ton object crashing back to Earth grabs attention worldwide.
For now, all eyes remain on the skies as the Old Soviet spacecraft continues its slow descent toward an unknown landing spot.
