Azerbaijan on alert as defunct Soviet-era spacecraft nears Earth

A Soviet interplanetary spacecraft, Kosmos 482, is expected to reenter Earth's atmosphere between May 8 and May 14, 2025, with a potential impact zone that includes Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Syria, and Egypt.

The spacecraft, launched on March 31, 1972, as part of the USSR's Venera 8 program, malfunctioned during its mission to Venus and has remained in Earth's orbit for over five decades, Caliber.Az reports.

The descent module of Kosmos 482, weighing approximately 495 kilograms, is anticipated to reenter Earth's atmosphere at a speed of about 242 km/h. Due to its design to withstand the dense atmosphere of Venus, the module may not disintegrate upon reentry. Experts suggest that the module could survive the descent, potentially impacting the Earth's surface with an energy equivalent to the explosion of approximately 300 grams of TNT.

While the reentry poses a risk, experts emphasize that the probability of the spacecraft causing harm is extremely low. The impact area spans a vast region, and the likelihood of the module striking a populated area is minimal. Nevertheless, authorities in the potential impact zones are monitoring the situation closely.

Azerbaijan has developed a robust space industry, positioning itself as a regional leader in space technology. The country's space agency, Azercosmos, operates several satellites and has established partnerships with international space organizations. Azerbaijan's strategic location and advanced space infrastructure make it well-equipped to monitor and respond to such events.

By Vafa Guliyeva