On May 10, 2025, the Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482 re-entered Earth's atmosphere after spending over five decades in orbit. Originally launched on March 31, 1972, as part of the Soviet Union's Venera program aimed at exploring Venus, the mission failed to leave Earth's orbit due to a rocket malfunction. As a result, the spacecraft remained stranded in low Earth orbit for 53 years.

Designed to withstand the extreme conditions of Venus's atmosphere, the 495 kg lander was built to endure high temperatures and pressures. This robust construction raised concerns that parts of the spacecraft might survive re-entry. However, the re-entry occurred over the Indian Ocean west of Jakarta, Indonesia, with no reported injuries or damage.

The prolonged presence of Kosmos 482 in orbit highlights the issue of space debris and the importance of tracking defunct satellites. Agencies like Roscosmos and the European Space Agency monitored the spacecraft's descent to ensure public safety.

Kosmos 482's return serves as a reminder of the challenges in space exploration and the enduring legacy of early interplanetary missions. While its intended mission to Venus was never realized, the spacecraft's reentry marks the end of a significant chapter in space history.