The failed Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere this weekend, possibly crashing as early as tonight.
Predictions from the European Space Agency suggest a reentry time around 2:26 a.m. EDT on Saturday, with a window between 10 p.m. EDT Friday and 7 a.m. EDT Saturday.
Kayhan Space predicts a narrower window for reentry at 2:28 a.m. ET on May 10, plus or minus 2.4 hours.
The uncertain atmospheric density in lower altitudes poses challenges for precise predictions.
The 1-meter-wide Kosmos 482 could land anywhere between 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south, with high likelihood of ocean landing.
The prospect of the spacecraft hitting a person is minimal, typical of falling space debris scenarios.
Kosmos 482 was part of the Soviet Venera mission to Venus in 1972 but got stuck in Earth's orbit due to a rocket malfunction.
With over 1.2 million space debris pieces in orbit, reentries and collisions are increasing, emphasizing the need for responsible end-of-life plans for satellites.