A defunct Soviet spacecraft from the 1970s, named Kosmos 482, is expected to crash into Earth's atmosphere next week as a result of an uncontrolled re-entry.
The spacecraft was intended for Venus but suffered a malfunction during launch, causing it to remain in Earth's orbit. There is uncertainty about the exact time and location of impact, as well as the surviving debris.
While uncontrolled re-entries pose a risk of debris damage, experts assure that the likelihood of harm to individuals is minimal. Past incidents of space junk falling on Earth have been reported, including debris in Poland, Florida, and Côte d’Ivoire.
The Soviet probe, encased in a titanium pressure vessel designed for Venus, may survive re-entry due to its robust construction. Experts suggest a low risk of impact on individuals similar to a meteorite strike.