Soviet Venus Probe Cosmos 482 Set for Earth Reentry
An ancient Soviet lander, Cosmos 482, is set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after spending 52 years in orbit. Launched on March 31, 1972, as part of the U.S.S.R.’s Venera program, the lander was intended for a mission to Venus. However, a malfunction prevented it from leaving Earth’s orbit, resulting in its prolonged stay. Now, as it prepares for its return, experts predict a crash landing window between May 8 and May 14, with May 11 being the most likely date.
Lander Returns to Earth
Cosmos 482 is making its way back to Earth, with re-entry expected to occur between May 8 and May 14. Satellite expert Marco Langbroek has calculated that May 11 is the most probable date for the lander’s return. The crash landing could happen anywhere between 52 degrees north and south of the equator, spanning regions from Quebec to Patagonia. Weighing approximately 1,100 poundsโsimilar to the weight of a carโNASA has been monitoring the situation closely. The re-entry of this long-forgotten spacecraft marks a significant moment in space history, as it has been orbiting Earth for over five decades.
What Does it Look Like
Designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Venus’s atmosphere, Cosmos 482 may have a chance of surviving its re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. While the risks associated with this event are not negligible, experts believe the lander could remain intact upon landing. Ralf Vandebergh, an advanced astrographer, has been tracking the lander using a telescope-mounted camera. Some images suggest the presence of a parachute, but its functionality after so many years in orbit remains uncertain. Langbroek noted that while the chances of survival are slim, they are not impossible, making this event particularly intriguing for space enthusiasts and scientists alike.
Cosmos 482 as Sister Probe to Venera 8
Cosmos 482 was developed as a sister probe to Venera 8, which successfully landed on Venus in 1972. Venera 8 became the second spacecraft to transmit data from the planet’s surface, sending valuable information for 50 minutes before succumbing to the extreme heat. The legacy of these missions continues to influence our understanding of Venus and the challenges of space exploration. As Cosmos 482 prepares for its return, it serves as a reminder of the ambitious goals of the Soviet space program and the enduring mysteries of our solar system.
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