Soviet-Era Spacecraft May Re-enter Atmosphere Near Thailand — Risk Extremely Low, Says GISTDA
BANGKOK, May 9, 2025 — Thailand’s space agency is closely monitoring the descent of Cosmos 482, a defunct Soviet spacecraft launched in 1972, which is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere on May 10. While the chance of debris striking Thai territory is just 0.001%, officials say they are taking no chances.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported that the spacecraft is currently at an altitude of approximately 138 km and falling fast. The expected re-entry time is around 6:56 p.m. Thailand time on Saturday, though the exact location of impact will only be clearer once it dips below 130 km.
“Thailand remains at very low risk,” GISTDA emphasized, “but we are monitoring high-risk zones around the clock using the ZIRCON satellite tracking system, developed in accordance with international standards.”
Originally launched by the Soviet Union for a Venus landing mission, Cosmos 482 failed to exit Earth’s orbit and has been circling the planet for over five decades. One of its heaviest components — a 495-kilogram lander module — remains intact and could partially survive re-entry.
Dutch space expert Marco Langbroek warned that although most of the spacecraft will likely burn up, “there is a chance the lander may not fully disintegrate and could reach the Earth’s surface.”
Most predictions place the debris path over Canada, but experts urge the public to stay informed through real-time updates from space agencies.
