Sofiti probe 495 kilograms launched in 1972 can hit the ground this week: This is Kosmos 482

From time to time, An object launched to space returns home. Sometimes he does so as planned, sometimes not much. And when that happens –As in cases of Chinese missiles that are somewhat restored without control– A global observation network is activated to follow its path. Now, the protagonist is Kosmos 482, which is a forgotten Soviet probe that revolves around the Earth for more than half a century … and whose descent can occur within days.

The ship was thrown by the Soviet Union in 1972 with the aim of studying VenusBut a collapse in his missile prevented him from escaping from gravity. It is believed that failure caused the motor burning, which did not reach enough speed.

Since then, it has been besieged in an oval orbit, has been converted into Space garbage. What makes it different not only his era, but its very resistant structure, Designed to support the infernal conditions of our adjacent planet. This raises a disturbing possibility: it can survive the re -access and reach the surface.

Estimates indicate that Kosmos 482 will resent the atmosphere between 7 and 13 May, 2025Despite the date and the exact place They are still not sure. Most likely, according to experts, their remains end in the sea or in uncomplicated areas, as in most cases. But the uncertainty in his career makes it necessary to control his movements.

A 495 -kg capsule that can carry the fire

Kosmos 482 is designed to withstand the harsh conditions in the Venusian atmosphere, including Pressions of up to 100 atmosphere and temperatures above 400 ° C.

Your descent unit, With a mass of about 495 kgIt is very reinforced, giving it a high possibility to survive the ground re -air re -Earth.

It re -entering several reasons, among other things because of Soon after the failed launch, on April 3, 1972, fragments From the investigation – including the areas of titanium alloy – They fell in New Zealand. This accident, known as the “Ashburton balls”, did not cause injuries, but attention was born and analyzed spatial remains.

Active monitoring against unconfirmed re –

International organizations and space agencies Monitor the Cosmos Path 482. Its orbit, along with its mass and rare air dynamics, makes it difficult to predict exactly and when it can fall exactly.

The possibility of causing very important damageAccording to experts. Since 70 % of the surface of the planet is the ocean, most areas of the Earth are inhabited by little. However, international surveillance protocols are still active.

Achievement with the widespread umbrella?

Dutch astronomer Ralph VandbergIt is known as the detailed satellite fill from Earth, The Kosmos 482 path has followed for more than a decade. On April 29, 2025, he published new capsule photos where an elongated structure linked to the main capsule can be seen. According to your analysis, It can be the umbrella from the investigationIt was accidentally published in space.

Compare Vandergh these pictures with others who took in 2014 In each of this potential structure, it is estimated, indicating that the umbrella could have been deployed for years. However, he explains that his current condition is unconfirmed and that after decades suffered a space environment, it is also. It is very unlikely that it is still functional. That is, even if it is still associated with capsule, You will not stop your fall Perhaps disintegration in the air.

Their observations help to understand the case of Kosmos 482 better and can be a key To expect your behavior while re -entering.

Soviet space age testimony

Kosmos 482 is not just a scrap of space: It is a piece of Soviet history. It is one of those effects that remembers the intense technological pulse in space between the great powers of the twentieth century. Venera was a pioneer: In 1975, Venera 9 managed to send the first photos from Venus. But not all the tasks were successful, and this, specifically, ended up until it became a ghost satellite for more than 50 years.

If it finally affected the Earth and keeps it alive, it will be a capsule of landing in the skyA historical piece with more than half a century of ancient times that can be analyzed as a direct testimony of exploration between planets.