Kosmos 482, a Soviet-era spacecraft, has re-entered Earth's atmosphere after 53 years in orbit. The spacecraft, weighing around 495 kg, was designed to land on Venus but failed to escape Earth's gravity due to a faulty timer. Here's what we know about its re-entry ¹ ²:

- *Re-entry Date*: The re-entry date is estimated to be between May 9 - 13, 2025.

-*Uncontrolled re-entry: The re-entry is not controlled or coordinated. The date, time and location could be affected by several factors.

- *Possible Landing Site*: Due to its inclination of approximately 51.95 degrees, the object could re-enter within a latitude band of ±52 degrees, covering a vast area of the Earth's surface. Although most of this area is ocean or uninhabited land, making the statistical probability of an impact on populated areas low. Still, it may land in someone's backyard. This chances is very low, yet, possible.

- *Spacecraft Durability*: Kosmos 482's titanium shell was built to withstand extreme conditions, including temperatures of 932°F and crushing atmospheric pressure. This durability suggests it might have survived re-entry and landed almost intact.

- *Risk Assessment*: Experts agree that the risk to human life is low but not zero. Given its small size and density, Earth has ample empty space, reducing the likelihood of significant damage or casualties.

Kosmos 482's re-entry serves as a reminder of the legacy of space exploration and the importance of responsible space management. Its story highlights the challenges and uncertainties associated with uncontrolled re-entries, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and prediction efforts.