The defunct probe from the former Soviet Union, known as Kosmos 482, was launched in 1972 on a mission to explore Venus. A launch failure left it trapped in Earth’s orbit — where it has remained for ...

Kosmos-482, a failed Soviet Venus probe, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere in May, but tracking its exact descent proved elusive.

Imagery of Kosmos-482, an intended Venera spacecraft to visit the planet Venus, which was stuck in Earth orbit for 53 years. (Image credit: Ralf Vandebergh) Venera 8 pre-launch preparations.

Old Soviet Kosmos 482 Venus lander's fall to Earth will be no ordinary space junk crash. Here's why A failed Soviet Venus lander will fall back to Earth after being stranded for 53 years ...