Kosmos 482, a Soviet spacecraft, has been in orbit for 50 years and is predicted to re-enter Earth's atmosphere imminently. The spacecraft's potential landing areas include major cities like London, Brussels, and Rio de Janeiro. Astronomers warn that, despite low odds, a direct hit on a populated area could be catastrophic. Dr. Marco Langbroek has provided updated trajectory calculations, showing the craft could impact within a large range of populated regions, prompting concern and monitoring from global scientists.
Astronomers predict that the 500kg Kosmos 482 spacecraft will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere within 14 hours of 08:34 BST on Saturday, May 10.
While the odds of being hit by Kosmos 482 are small, scientists warn that a direct collision with a populated city could prove deadly.
Further observations of Kosmos 482's orbit have allowed Dr. Langbroek to work out the trajectory it will take as it falls, identifying risk for major cities.
Comparing the re-entry path to cities with over one million residents, a significant number of densely populated areas are at risk.
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