NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion capsule are facing potential budget cuts, with a White House proposal threatening to reduce NASA’s budget by approximately $6 billion, or 25%. Meanwhile, a Soviet-era spacecraft, Cosmos 482, is poised to reenter Earth’s atmosphere after 50 years in orbit, following its unsuccessful mission to Venus. The reentry is expected to occur between May 7 and May 13, with predictions suggesting it will begin its descent on May 10.
Originally launched in 1972 as a Venus probe, Cosmos 482 failed to break free from low Earth orbit. NASA has indicated that some parts of the spacecraft could endure the reentry, given its design was intended for atmospheric penetration on Venus. Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell referred to the probe’s return as its “final death plunge,” highlighting concerns about potential damage to property if it lands on inhabited areas, although the risk of it harming anyone is minimal.
The term “Cosmos” refers to a series of Soviet spacecraft designed to remain in Earth’s orbit since 1962, irrespective of their intended destinations. Historical documentation suggests that Cosmos 482 was aimed at Venus and shares an identical design with the successful Venera 8 probe, launched just days earlier.
The Cosmos spacecraft concept involved launching planetary missions into Earth’s orbit, where they would utilize rocket engines to propel toward their targets. Cosmos 482 separated into four segments upon launch, with two parts decaying in low Earth orbit shortly after, while others remained in a higher orbit. NASA surmises a malfunction during its engine burn restricted the probe’s ability to achieve escape velocity for its intended mission to Venus.
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