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.

Kosmos 482 was meant to explore Venus, but became an accidental satellite. Everything to know about the Soviet Venus probe and where it could fall.

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.