A failed Soviet-era spacecraft that aimed for Venus is expected to crash back to Earth tonight

CNN - May 9th, 2025

A Soviet-era spacecraft, Cosmos 482, which was intended to land on Venus but got stuck in Earth's orbit, is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere on Friday night or early Saturday. The spacecraft, launched by the Soviet Union in March 1972, failed to reach its intended trajectory to Venus and has been slowly descending towards Earth due to atmospheric drag. According to analyses by various institutions, including the European Space Agency and Aerospace Corporation, Cosmos 482 is predicted to crash between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. ET. Despite the uncertainty of its exact landing spot, the spacecraft is not expected to pose a significant risk because it was designed to withstand reentry conditions.

The impending return of Cosmos 482 serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing space debris, especially in the context of the modern space race, where companies like SpaceX are frequently launching new satellites. The Soviet Venera program, which aimed to explore Venus during the 20th century space race, was groundbreaking but also left behind remnants like Cosmos 482. These events underscore the importance of current and future efforts to improve safety standards in space to prevent potential hazards posed by defunct objects reentering Earth's atmosphere. Legally, the object remains the responsibility of Russia under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, highlighting the continued relevance of international space law.

Soviet Union European Space Agency Space Debris Cosmos 482 Venus Probe Aerospace Corporation Outer Space Treaty

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and accurate account of the Soviet-era spacecraft Cosmos 482 and its impending reentry into Earth's atmosphere. It effectively utilizes credible sources and expert opinions to convey the complexities of space debris management. While the piece is timely and of public interest, it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more detailed explanations of the methodologies used for reentry predictions. The language and structure are clear and engaging, making the article accessible to a general audience. However, it could further explore the broader implications of space debris on international policy and environmental concerns to enhance its impact and engagement potential.

Accuracy

The story accurately describes the Soviet-era spacecraft Cosmos 482, its history, and its expected reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The launch date and mission details are consistent with historical records, and the potential for the spacecraft to survive reentry due to its robust design is well-supported by expert opinions. However, the exact time and location of reentry remain uncertain, which is a common challenge in space debris predictions. The story could improve by providing more detailed data on the spacecraft's current orbit and reentry forecasts from specific institutions.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from multiple experts, such as Marlon Sorge and Marco Langbroek, on the potential risks and outcomes of Cosmos 482's reentry. It covers both the historical context of the spacecraft and the modern implications of space debris. However, the story could benefit from including more diverse viewpoints, such as those from international space agencies or environmental groups, to provide a broader perspective on the issue of space debris.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language to explain complex scientific concepts. It logically progresses from the spacecraft's history to its current status and potential reentry outcomes. The use of expert quotes and explanations helps clarify technical aspects for a general audience. Minor improvements could be made by simplifying some technical jargon for readers unfamiliar with space exploration.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including experts from The Aerospace Corporation and Delft Technical University, which enhances its reliability. These sources are well-regarded in the field of space exploration and debris tracking. However, the article could improve by providing more direct quotes or data from space agencies like NASA or the European Space Agency to further substantiate its claims.

Transparency

The article explains the context of Cosmos 482's reentry and the challenges involved in predicting its trajectory. It mentions the Outer Space Treaty concerning ownership and responsibility for space objects. However, the methodology behind the reentry predictions is not detailed, and the article could benefit from more transparency about the limitations and uncertainties inherent in space debris tracking.