Kosmos 482: From German Skies to the Depths of the Indian Ocean
The saga of Kosmos 482 took a dramatic turn as the Russian lander’s fate unfolded over continents and oceans.Here’s a breakdown of its journey and the ultimate landing spot.
The Disappearance Over Germany
the European Space Agency (ESA) reported that the Kosmos 482 lander was initially tracked over Germany between 6:30 a.m.and 8 a.m.Belgian time. However, during its last scheduled pass over Germany, all traces of the rig vanished.
Calculations and Possible Scenarios
According to calculations by the Technical University of Delft (TU Delft), two potential scenarios existed around 6:30 a.m. Belgian time. The lander was projected to enter the atmosphere somewhere within a specific range, approximately between 7:10 a.m. and 10:10 a.m.
The Presumed Landing Zone
Initially, experts speculated that the device had landed in either the Indian or Pacific Ocean, but the exact location remained unknown for a time.
Confirmation Via telegram
Around 11 a.m., the Russian space agency Roscosmos provided confirmation via Telegram. The Kosmos 482 had arrived near the Central Andamane Islands, an Indian island group, and later landed in the Indian Ocean, approximately 348 miles (560 km) west of Jakarta, Indonesia.
FAQ: Kosmos 482’s Final Destination
- Where did Kosmos 482 ultimately land?
- The Indian Ocean, 348 miles (560 km) west of Jakarta, Indonesia.
- Who confirmed the landing location?
- The Russian space agency Roscosmos, via Telegram.
- What were the initial predictions for the landing zone?
- Experts initially thought it might be the Indian or Pacific Ocean.
