A Space Odyssey Comes to an End

The legendary Kosmos 482, a Soviet spacecraft launched over fifty years ago, is finally set to conclude its journey by reentering Earth’s atmosphere this weekend.

Final Plunge: What Lies Ahead

Often described as a 'rogue probe,' Kosmos 482 is now on its 'final death plunge.' Expert astronomer Jonathan McDowell from the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard & Smithsonian notes that while its most probable landing spot is a body of water, there exists a slim chance it could crash into land, potentially causing property damage.

"There’s a not-trivial chance that it could hit somewhere where it damages property, and there’s a small chance... that it could hurt someone," McDowell shared, underscoring the gravity of this cosmic event.

Will It Burn or Survive?

There’s speculation about whether the thousand-pound, meter-wide spacecraft will burn up upon reentry. However, McDowell believes it unlikely due to its robust heat shield, originally designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Venus's atmosphere. Instead, he anticipates that Kosmos 482 will reenter relatively unscathed.

Launched with Ambitions of Venus

Launched by Soviet scientists in 1972, the intent was to explore Venus, but an engine malfunction cursed Kosmos 482 to orbit Earth. Filled with a variety of astronomical instruments, including temperature sensors, radio transmitters, and a gamma-ray spectrometer, the spacecraft has lingered in low Earth orbit ever since.

A Legacy of Mystery and Survival

Kosmos 482 split into multiple components shortly after its launch, with some pieces believed to have landed in New Zealand. Remarkably, the spacecraft's lander probe has continued its silent vigil in orbit. Designed to brave the scorching atmosphere of Venus, the probe even has a parachute — though its condition after decades in space remains uncertain.

A Global Watch for Impact

Experts suggest the reentry could see the craft impacting anywhere along a vast stretch from Canada and Russia down to the southern tip of South America. If it survives the reentry intact, it might hit the ground at speeds approaching 150 miles per hour.

The world watches with bated breath as Kosmos 482 prepares to make history once more, turning a new page in its remarkable journey through the cosmos.