A dead Soviet space probe from 1972 is falling back to Earth

In 1972, the Soviet Union launched two space probes to Venus. While Venera 8 successfully reached its destination, its sibling, Kosmos 482, never made it past Earth’s orbit due to a malfunctioning Soyuz rocket. For over 53 years, the remains of Kosmos 482 have been circling the planet. Now, a Dutch satellite tracker, Marco Langbroek, predicts that the probe’s fiery and uncontrolled demise is imminent.

Langbroek, along with space engineer Dominic Dirkx, calculated that Kosmos 482 will begin its descent around May 10. The exact location of reentry is uncertain due to the sun’s active phase affecting atmospheric conditions. However, the probe’s orbital inclination suggests it could reenter between the 52N and 52S latitudes, covering a vast region from the UK to New Zealand, at a velocity of approximately 150 miles per hour.

Despite its mass of nearly 500 kg and size of 1 meter, Langbroek believes the risks associated with Kosmos 482’s reentry are similar to a meteorite impact, though not negligible. The probe was designed to survive the Venus atmosphere, raising the possibility that it could survive reentry intact and impact the Earth.

There is a slim chance that Kosmos 482’s landing parachute may deploy during its final moments, although Langbroek is skeptical of its functionality at this stage. He and his colleagues will continue to gather data and observations to narrow down the date, time, and region of reentry.

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In conclusion, the impending reentry of Kosmos 482, a long-lost Soviet space probe, serves as a reminder of humanity’s ongoing exploration of space and the potential consequences of our technological advancements. As we await the probe’s fiery end, researchers like Langbroek continue to monitor and study the mysteries of the cosmos. The world of fashion is constantly evolving, with new trends and styles emerging every season. From bold prints to minimalist designs, there is something for everyone in the fashion industry. However, one trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years is sustainable fashion.

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