On Monday, NASA said that Cosmos 482 will return to Earth sometime between Wednesday, May 7, and May 13. The spacecraft is expected to start descending on Saturday, May 10. The space agency said that since the probe was designed to withstand entry into Venus' atmosphere, it is possible that parts of it will survive reentry.

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.

Designed to endure the extreme pressures and heat of Venus’ atmosphere, Cosmos 482 is likely to survive its descent through Earth's atmosphere as well, raising the possibility of impact with the surface.