A Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972 is finally returning to Earth's atmosphere

Fifty years after its failed mission to Venus, the Soviet probe Kosmos 482 is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere. Unlike typical orbital debris, this craft was engineered to withstand atmospheric entry, raising questions about whether any hardware will survive the descent or simply sink into the ocean.

In 1972, the Soviet Union launched two probes intended for Venus. While Venera 8 successfully landed on the planet, its twin became stranded in Earth orbit and was redesignated as Kosmos 482. After five decades, the craft is predicted to fall back to Earth.

Because the probe was originally built to survive the intense conditions of a planetary landing, its structural integrity makes this re-entry unique. Experts suggest it could potentially impact as a solid mass, though it is most likely to end up submerged in the ocean.

Source: 50 Year Old Venus Spacecraft Is About To Land On EARTH?????