Source: cbsnews.com
Image content: The image depicts a starry night sky with a prominent object labeled "COSMOS 482 DESCENT CRAFT #6073" in orange text, highlighted by an orange square. The main subject is the labeled object, which is likely a piece of space debris or a satellite. The content of the image features a dark background with numerous white streaks, indicating the movement of stars or other celestial bodies.
Summary
The Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 to explore Venus, likely re-entered Earth's atmosphere after 53 years in orbit. The European Space Agency and US Space Command tracked its descent, but the exact location of its landing remains unknown. Experts believe the lander capsule may have survived re-entry due to its robust heat shield.
Key Points
- Kosmos 482 re-entered Earth's atmosphere 53 years after launch
- Spacecraft broke into four pieces after failing to escape Earth's orbit
- Exact location of re-entry and landing is unknown, with southern England a possible location