<ul><li>Soviet-era spacecraft meant to land on Venus in the 1970s is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere uncontrolled, with uncertain landing location and survival rate.</li><li>Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek predicts the re-entry to occur around May 10, with an estimated speed of 150mph if intact, presenting a minimal risk of impact on populated areas.</li><li>The spacecraft, Kosmos 482, was launched by the Soviet Union in 1972 but got stuck in Earth's orbit due to a rocket malfunction, and the spherical landing capsule may survive re-entry weighing over 1,000lbs.</li><li>Experts believe there is a possibility the spacecraft may fall into an ocean due to Earth's water-covered surface, minimizing the risk of land impact similar to instances of past space debris re-entries.</li></ul>

Soviet-era spacecraft expected to plunge uncontrolled to Earth next week

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