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 spacecraft's landing capsule, a one-meter diameter sphere, will re-enter at 242 km/h. While the risk of impact is considered low, similar to a meteorite strike, it cannot be entirely ruled out. The spacecraft's potential landing zone spans between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude. Experts are unsure if the heat shield will remain intact, impacting the likelihood of the spacecraft burning up on re-entry.
Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.
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