What we know about the Soviet spacecraft that will return to Earth this week - As the last remnant of the Soviet Venus program left in Earth’s orbit, Kosmos 482 is not your average piece of space junk

In 1972, a Soviet spacecraft bound for Venus failed to escape Earth’s gravity and got stuck orbiting our planet. Now, 50-odd years later, the spacecraft’s landing capsule is due to plummet back to Earth.

A piece of space junk called Cosmos 482 is unlikely to pose a threat to people or property. But space experts say it highlights the need to stay vigilant.