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Soviet Kosmos 482 to Splashdown After 53 Years in Orbit

5/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Kosmos 482 spacecraft, a relic of the Soviet Union's Venera program launched in 1972, is poised to make its dramatic return to Earth around May 9-10, 2025. After 53 years of orbiting, experts anticipate its descent may culminate in a splashdown in the ocean, hurtling through the atmosphere at speeds reaching 155 mph.

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Story summary

The Kosmos 482 spacecraft, a relic of the Soviet Union's Venera program launched in 1972, is poised to make its dramatic return to Earth around May 9-10, 2025. After 53 years of orbiting, experts anticipate its descent may culminate in a splashdown in the ocean, hurtling through the atmosphere at speeds reaching 155 mph.