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Soviet-era spacecraft is set to plunge to Earth a half-century after its failed launch to Venus
- The Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482, launched on March 31, 1972, is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere around May 9-10, 2025.
- Kosmos 482 never left Earth orbit due to a rocket malfunction that shut down the upper stage prematurely after launch from Kazakhstan.
- The probe's heat-shielded descent module, designed to survive Venus's atmosphere, has been gradually losing altitude due to atmospheric drag on its 51.7-degree orbit.
- At just under 500 kg and about one meter wide, the lander may survive reentry and impact Earth at about 150 mph, with risks similar to meteorite falls, says space expert Marco Langbroek.
- Though scientists cannot predict the exact impact site, the reentry latitude range covers much of Earth's populated areas between 52° north and south, implying a low but nonzero risk to people.
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Sydney Morning HeraldReposted by 
The Age
The AgeA Soviet space probe will crash back to Earth. It could land in Australia
It’s the final countdown for a spacecraft that was en route to Venus in 1972 – until a rocket malfunction left it stranded in orbit and slowly spiralling back towards Earth.
·Sydney, Australia
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Total News Sources354
Leaning Left57Leaning Right34Center109Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 28%
C 55%
R 17%
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