Friday, 31 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > Failed Soviet probe will soon crash to Earth – and we don’t know where
Tech and Science

Failed Soviet probe will soon crash to Earth – and we don’t know where

Last updated: May 8, 2025 7:55 pm
Share
Failed Soviet probe will soon crash to Earth – and we don’t know where
SHARE

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

A model of Kosmos 482, which was originally set to go to Venus

Wikimedia Commons

After more than five decades in orbit, the Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 is set to make a dramatic return to Earth. Initially intended for a mission to Venus, the spacecraft never reached its destination and has been circling Earth in a decaying orbit. Now, it is on a collision course with our planet.

Launched in 1972 during the Cold War era, Kosmos 482’s mission details remain shrouded in secrecy. However, evidence suggests that it was bound for Venus, similar to other Soviet missions of that time. Unfortunately, the spacecraft disintegrated in low Earth orbit, with three of its four fragments crashing in New Zealand shortly after launch.

The final fragment, comprising the spacecraft’s landing capsule, continued to orbit Earth at varying distances. Over time, atmospheric drag has caused it to descend closer to Earth, with an anticipated re-entry date of 9 or 10 May.

Weighing nearly 500 kilograms and measuring over a meter wide, the landing capsule is expected to survive re-entry and impact the Earth’s surface at high speeds. While the exact landing location remains uncertain, the potential impact zone spans latitudes 52° north to 52° south, encompassing regions from South America to Canada and Russia.

Despite the wide area of potential impact, experts believe the capsule will likely plunge into the ocean, minimizing the risk to populated areas. Marcin Pilinski from the University of Colorado Boulder reassures that the chances of a land impact are “infinitesimally small.”

A team of researchers is monitoring the descent of Kosmos 482’s debris, with the trajectory expected to narrow down as the re-entry date approaches. While falling space debris is not uncommon, Kosmos 482 stands out as a significant and resilient piece of space junk.

See also  Earth Day Activities for Kids: 13 Purposeful Planet-Approved Projects

Topics:

TAGGED:crashDontEarthFailedProbeSoviet
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Will the Real Cimabue Please Stand Up?  Will the Real Cimabue Please Stand Up? 
Next Article Warren Buffett has a ‘big worry’ over US dollar ‘going to hell’ — Here’s why and how to protect yoursel Warren Buffett has a ‘big worry’ over US dollar ‘going to hell’ — Here’s why and how to protect yoursel
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Is AAPL Stock a Buy? Jim Cramer Says ‘Maybe Not’ Unless Apple Does This 1 Surprising Thing.

In a recent episode of the popular CNBC show "Mad Money," host Jim Cramer made…

June 25, 2025

Week in Review: X CEO Linda Yaccarino steps down

Welcome back to another exciting Week in Review! This week has been filled with groundbreaking…

July 13, 2025

Deion Sanders says he’ll ‘privately’ intervene if wrong NFL team drafts Shedeur Sanders

Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, recently shared his intentions to ensure…

November 14, 2024

TMZ Sports Streaming Live From Newsroom, Join The Conversation!

Live Commentary on TMZ Sports Engage with Us! Published September 25, 2025 12:43 PM PDT…

September 25, 2025

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Stun at TIME100 Gala

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively It's Our Time To Shine Published April 24, 2025 6:04…

April 24, 2025

You Might Also Like

Driver who killed 2 in fiery LSD crash gets probation, community service
Crime

Driver who killed 2 in fiery LSD crash gets probation, community service

October 31, 2025
Nanotyrannus Isn’t a Juvenile T-Rex—It’s a Separate Dinosaur
Tech and Science

Nanotyrannus Isn’t a Juvenile T-Rex—It’s a Separate Dinosaur

October 31, 2025
How Much Does Grocery Delivery App Development Cost in 2025?
Tech and Science

How Much Does Grocery Delivery App Development Cost in 2025?

October 31, 2025
Boy’s body was mummified and turned green by a copper coffin
Tech and Science

Boy’s body was mummified and turned green by a copper coffin

October 31, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?