The “Kosmos-482” station was launched in the USSR back in 1972. It was originally intended to reach Venus, but this did not happen due to an emergency situation. As a result, the spacecraft remained in a relatively high orbit. Over time, due to atmospheric friction, the altitude of its orbit began to decrease.
Ballistic calculations have shown that the spacecraft will enter the denser layers of Earth’s atmosphere on May 9 or 10, 2025. The station weighs less than 500 kg and has a diameter of less than one meter, according to a statement from Roscosmos.
The statement also notes that the likelihood of significant damage from the satellite’s fall is very low. Currently, Russian and international experts are monitoring the station’s movement. As its descent continues, its coordinates are being refined.
Roscosmos also pointed out that a large number of space objects are currently in low Earth orbit, many of which are no longer in use. Every day, around five objects fall to Earth, some weighing over 500 kg. These objects can be observed at night and are often mistaken for “falling stars.” While there have been some instances of damage caused by falling objects, these are rare. As for people, no one on Earth has ever been harmed by the fall of a space object.
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