What's happened
The Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482, launched in 1972, is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere between May 10 and 13, 2025. Experts predict it could crash at speeds of 150 mph, but the risk to people is minimal. The spacecraft, designed for Venus, may survive reentry intact.
What's behind the headline?
Implications of Kosmos 482's Reentry
- Historical Context: Kosmos 482 serves as a reminder of the ambitious space race era, particularly the Soviet Union's efforts to explore Venus. Its reentry highlights the long-lasting impact of early space missions.
- Risk Assessment: Experts like Jonathan McDowell emphasize that while the spacecraft could survive reentry, the risk to people is minimal. The likelihood of it hitting populated areas is low, given that most of Earth is covered by water.
- Future of Space Debris: This event raises questions about space debris management and the potential hazards posed by defunct spacecraft. As more nations engage in space exploration, the issue of space junk will become increasingly critical.
- Public Interest: The reentry of Kosmos 482 captures public attention, reminding us of the ongoing relationship between humanity and space exploration. It serves as a focal point for discussions about the safety and sustainability of space activities.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Kosmos 482 is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere between May 10 and 13, 2025, with a predicted crash speed of 150 mph. Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, noted that the risk to people is minimal, stating, "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." Meanwhile, Ars Technica highlights that the spacecraft was designed to withstand extreme conditions on Venus, suggesting it may survive reentry intact. This contrasts with the general expectation that most space debris burns up upon reentry. The Independent emphasizes that while the risk is low, it cannot be completely excluded, reinforcing the need for ongoing monitoring of space debris.
How we got here
Kosmos 482 was launched by the Soviet Union in 1972 as part of its Venera program aimed at exploring Venus. A rocket malfunction left it stranded in Earth's orbit, where it has remained for over 50 years. As atmospheric drag has gradually decreased its altitude, it is now poised for reentry.
Go deeper
- What are the risks associated with Kosmos 482's reentry?
- How does this event compare to other space debris incidents?
- What measures are in place to track space debris?
Common question
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What Happens When Kosmos 482 Reenters Earth's Atmosphere?
As the Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 prepares for its reentry into Earth's atmosphere between May 10 and 13, 2025, many are curious about the implications of this event. With its historical significance and the potential risks involved, it's essential to understand what to expect during this reentry and how experts assess the situation. Below are some common questions and answers regarding Kosmos 482 and the broader topic of spacecraft reentry.
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What is Kosmos 482 and Why is it Reentering Earth?
Kosmos 482, a Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972, is making headlines as it prepares to reenter Earth's atmosphere between May 10 and 13, 2025. This event raises questions about the spacecraft's history, the risks involved, and what happens during reentry. Here’s everything you need to know about this significant moment in space history.
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Kosmos 482 (Russian: "Космос 482" meaning Cosmos 482) was an attempted Soviet Venus probe. Launched 31 March 1972, at 04:02:33 UTC, it failed to escape low Earth orbit. Because of this, its name was retrospectively changed to "Kosmos" which was used
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Jonathan Christopher McDowell (born 1960) is a British-American astronomer and astrophysicist who works at the Harvard–Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics's Chandra X-ray Center. McDowell is the author and editor of Jonathan's Space Report, an e-mail...
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