Soviet Spacecraft Returns to Earth After 53 Years

A Soviet-era spacecraft, Cosmos 482, which was launched in 1972 with the goal of landing on Venus, unexpectedly returned to Earth on Saturday. The spacecraft splashed down in the Indian Ocean, west of Jakarta, Indonesia. According to the Russian space agency, the spacecraft's return was due to a malfunction during launch. "The spacecraft's unexpected return highlights the challenges and potential risks associated with space exploration," said a spokesperson for the Russian space agency. The incident caused no harm, and the spacecraft's remains are currently being analyzed. This event serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impacts of past space missions and the importance of continued monitoring of space debris.