Kosmos 482, a Soviet probe launched in 1972 to explore Venus, is set to return to Earth after years of orbiting. The probe's mission was thwarted when a premature engine shutdown prevented it from reaching its destination. While the original goal was to send a descent module to Venus, Kosmos 482 remained trapped in Earth orbit, becoming space debris. Astronomers are tracking its return, with the possibility of impact raising safety concerns about its re-entry trajectory.
You wouldn't want it bashing you on the head; the capacity of an old Soviet space probe, Kosmos 482, to re-enter Earth's atmosphere raises concern.
Kosmos 482 was intended for a mission to Venus but failed to leave Earth's orbit due to an engine shutdown, resulting in a long-lasting orbital path.
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