A long-lost Soviet spacecraft the size of a car is now hurtling toward Earth, set to make a fiery, uncontrolled re-entry within days – and no one knows where it will land.
Known as Kosmos 482, the satellite was launched in 1972 for a Venus mission but has been stuck in orbit ever since.
Scientists warn it could crash anywhere on the planet, though the odds of it hitting someone or causing damage remain extremely low.
Its Venus-grade heat shield could help it survive the fiery descent, raising concern about its impact if it lands in a populated area.
Experts say it’s time to start cleaning up space debris before similar incidents pose greater risks.