Launched in 1972, the failed Venus probe has been stuck in Earth orbit ever since. Now it's hurtling back down to Earth.

The Kosmos 482 capsule was built tough for Venus. Its fall to Earth will make a huge fireball and may pose a small risk of hitting people or property.

Part of a Soviet-era spacecraft is expected to crash back to Earth this week after being stuck in orbit for more than half a century. Kosmos 482 was launched in 1972 as part of a mission to Venus but it never escaped low Earth orbit and separated into four pieces, according to Nasa.