NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion capsule are facing budget uncertainties due to a proposed $6 billion (25%) cut from the White House. In other space news, Cosmos 482, a Soviet-era spacecraft, is set to reenter Earth’s atmosphere after over 50 years following its failed 1972 mission to Venus. It is expected to descend between May 7 and May 13, likely on May 10. NASA stated that since the probe was designed for high-heat conditions on Venus, some fragments may survive reentry.
Originally, Cosmos 482 was intended to probe Venus but failed to escape low Earth orbit shortly after its launch. Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at Harvard’s Center for Astrophysics, described the spacecraft’s descent as its “final death plunge,” noting a slight risk of damaging property on the ground, with minimal chances of harming anyone.
Cosmos was the designation for Soviet spacecraft launched into Earth orbit starting in 1962, regardless of their intended destination. NASA supports the view that Cosmos 482 was intended for Venus based on historical documents and evidence from both Soviet and non-Soviet sources. The spacecraft launched just days after the successful Venera 8 atmospheric probe, sharing its design. Soviet missions were typically placed into Earth orbit first, then directed toward their target planets using a brief rocket engine burn.
Cosmos 482 ultimately separated into four parts, with two decaying quickly in low Earth orbit, while the remaining pieces stayed in higher orbits. It’s believed a malfunction during the engine burn meant Cosmos 482 couldn’t achieve the necessary velocity to reach Venus.
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