Kosmos 482: Soviet Spacecraft Built for Venus to Crash to Earth on May 10

More than 50 years after launch, the Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482 is on track to reenter Earth’s atmosphere around May 10, raising global interest—and a few safety concerns. Designed to withstand the crushing atmosphere of Venus, the spherical lander capsule may survive the plunge and reach the Earth’s surface mostly intact.

This decaying satellite from 1972, which failed to complete its Venus mission due to a booster malfunction, has spent decades orbiting Earth. Now, with its orbit deteriorating, the Kosmos 482 lander is in its final descent.

Why Kosmos 482 Might Survive Reentry

Unlike most satellites, this lander was built to endure extreme pressure, heat, and corrosive conditions on Venus. That means Earth’s much thinner atmosphere might not be enough to destroy it.

Experts say the capsule may hit the ground at speeds near 240 km/h, as it’s unlikely its long-dead parachute system will deploy. That’s fast enough to damage property—but the chance of human injury is extremely low.

Where Will It Land?

The exact landing location will only be known hours before reentry, but it will occur somewhere between 52°N and 52°S latitude. That’s a vast area, covering parts of Canada, Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, and Australia.

There’s a high probability it will land in the ocean, which covers most of that zone. Still, sky-watchers are advised to look for a bright daytime streak in the sky, followed by a loud thump if it lands nearby.

A Soviet Time Capsule

Kosmos 482’s descent offers a rare chance to study vintage space tech. If parts of the lander survive, scientists could examine how materials from the Cold War era have fared after decades in space.

Built alongside the Venera series, which includes the first spacecraft to land and transmit data from another planet, Kosmos 482’s design shares the robust shell and advanced sensors that helped Soviet missions survive on Venus.

What to Expect Next

• Predicted reentry date: Around May 10, 2025
• Impact speed: Up to 150 mph (240 km/h)
• Landing zone: Anywhere between 52°N and 52°S latitude
• Survivability: High chance capsule reaches Earth intact
• Hazard level: Low risk to humans, but damage possible if it hits land
  

As reentry nears, scientists and satellite trackers will continue monitoring the lander’s descent. Public agencies may issue updates if it becomes likely to land near inhabited areas.

Would you want to see Kosmos 482 crash down—or are you hoping it lands far from where you live?

More…

• https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/russian-spacecraft-expected-to-survive-death-plunge-to-earth-later-this-week-1.7524935
• https://www.livescience.com/space/space-exploration/doomed-soviet-satellite-from-1972-will-tumble-uncontrollably-to-earth-next-week-and-it-could-land-almost-anywhere
• https://www.npr.org/2025/05/05/nx-s1-5386681/soviet-spacecraft-1972-reenter-earth-atmosphere