Uncontrolled Soviet Probe Crashes to Earth, Hitting Unknown Location

After 53 years orbiting Earth, the failed Soviet Venus mission Kosmos 482 reentered the atmosphere on May 10, likely splashing down in the Indian Ocean. Built to endure Venus’ harsh conditions, the spacecraft may have partially survived reentry, but no debris has been found. Launched in 1972, Kosmos 482 failed to reach Venus due to a malfunction and remained in orbit until atmospheric drag caused its descent, Gizmodo has reported. Conflicting reports from Roscosmos, the ESA, and the U.S. Space Force make its exact landing time and location uncertain.