50-Year-Old Soviet Spacecraft Kosmos-482 Set to Crash on Earth This Weekend

Earth braces for the reentry of Kosmos-482, a Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972 as part of the Venera program. Originally intended for Venus, the spacecraft never reached its destination due to a rocket malfunction.

Now, after more than five decades in orbit, experts predict it will plunge through Earth’s atmosphere this weekend.

Kosmos-482: A Soviet Relic Returning to Earth

Kosmos-482 was launched on March 31, 1972, but a failure in its final rocket stage prevented it from escaping Earth’s gravitational pull. Instead, the spacecraft entered a highly elliptical orbit, gradually descending over the years.

According to astronomer Jonathan McDowell, the capsule’s engines “spluttered and died” mid-flight, leaving it stranded in orbit.

Earth is about to receive a space age time capsule.

In 1972 Soviet probe Kosmos 482 failed on escape, stranding the lander in Earth orbit for the past 50 years.

Built to withstand the harsh environment of Venus, it will likely survive reentry on May 10th and could be recovered. pic.twitter.com/wVmvApeFgc

— A. Pettit (@PettitFrontier) May 9, 2025

Where Will Kosmos-482 Land?

Predicting the exact landing site remains a challenge. The spacecraft is traveling at approximately 17,000 miles per hour, making its descent difficult to track.

McDowell explained, “By late Friday or early Saturday, we might have the re-entry time narrowed down to a few hours. But a few hours is still twice around the Earth, so we probably won’t know where until after the event.”

Experts believe the capsule may survive reentry due to its heat shield, originally designed to withstand Venus’s extreme temperatures.

However, after 50 years in space, its structural integrity remains uncertain. If it does survive, it is likely to land in the ocean, as 70% of Earth’s surface is water.

A Spectacular Sight for Skywatchers

While the risk of damage is minimal, Kosmos-482’s fiery descent could create a stunning visual display.

McDowell noted that if the spacecraft passes close enough to populated areas, observers may witness it streaking across the sky like a comet.