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Soviet-era spacecraft is set to plunge to Earth a half-century after its failed launch to Venus

A Soviet Venus probe, Kosmos 482, launched in 1972, is predicted to make an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth's atmosphere around May 10th. Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek estimates the half-ton spacecraft, which failed to leave Earth orbit, will fall at 150 mph. While the risk of it hitting anything is considered low, comparable to a meteorite strike, it cannot be entirely ruled out. The spacecraft's landing capsule, built to withstand Venus's atmosphere, may survive re-entry, posing a potential hazard if its heat shield remains intact. The potential impact zone spans a wide latitude range, with a high probability of landing in an ocean.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

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