NASA’s “Zombie” Satellites Spark Concerns & Intrigue – Could Deactivated Tech Pose a Threat?

Jakarta,Indonesia – June 25,2025 – A surge of activity from decades-old,presumed-dead satellites is captivating the space community and raising questions about potential risks. Researchers detected “strange emissions” on June 13, 2024, originating not from deep space, but from Earth’s orbit [[3]]. Thes signals are emanating from NASA’s Relay 1 and Relay 2 experimental dialog satellites, relics of the early space age.

A Blast From the Past

Relay 1, launched in 1962, holds the distinction of being the first satellite to broadcast television signals from the US to both Japan and Europe, notably carrying the first transmissions of president Kennedy’s assassination [[2]]. Relay 2 followed in 1964, but its operational lifespan was brief, ceasing regular function by September 1965, with its transponder falling silent by 1967.

The recent re-emergence of signals from these satellites has stunned scientists. The burst detected by the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) has reignited interest in what are being dubbed “zombie satellites” [[2]].

What’s Causing the Resurgence?

While the exact cause remains under inquiry, researchers at curtin University in Australia theorize that the satellites may be accumulating electrostatic charges over time, eventually releasing them in bursts [[3]]. Similar electrostatic discharge (ESD) events were previously observed by the Arecibo telescope, though over longer durations.Beyond Relay: A Growing Phenomenon

This isn’t an isolated incident. Other “zombie satellites” have shown unexpected signs of life. Michio Kaku reports that another satellite, LES-5, scheduled to expire in 1972, continues to transmit radio signals, sparking speculation about a classified military purpose [[1]]. Even NASA’s Opportunity rover on Mars is considered a “zombie” asset, continuing to operate long after its mission end date.

Potential Risks & Future Implications

The reactivation of these dormant satellites isn’t merely a scientific curiosity. Experts warn that these “zombie” assets could potentially interfere with modern communications and even jam signals [[1]].

The phenomenon underscores the growing need for improved space debris monitoring and the development of strategies to mitigate risks posed by reactivated, defunct satellites. The ability to detect these signals, as demonstrated by ASKAP, is a crucial step in understanding and addressing this emerging challenge.

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Soviet-era Spacecraft Kosmos 482 Predicted for Earth Re-entry

BUCHAREST — may 7, 2024 — The Soviet-era spacecraft kosmos 482 is nearing its predicted re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, raising concerns about potential impact zones. Launched in 1972, the unmanned spacecraft, originally intended for Venus, failed to reach its target. The main issue surrounds the survival of its landing module. Experts anticipate the re-entry, but the exact location remains uncertain; read on to learn more.

Soviet-Era Spacecraft Kosmos 482 Predicted to Fall to Earth

An uncontrolled spacecraft from the Soviet era, Kosmos 482, is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in the coming days. The landing module, weighing approximately half a ton, was originally launched in 1972 with the intention of reaching Venus.

Mission and Malfunction

Kosmos 482 was part of the Venera program, designed to explore Venus. Launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 31, 1972, it served as a backup to Venera 8. The two spacecraft were identical in equipment and characteristics, a strategy employed by the Soviet Union to increase the likelihood of a successful interplanetary mission.

The launch utilized a Molniyah-M rocket, similar to those used in manned Soyuz missions, but with an additional stage to propel heavier payloads into higher orbits. While Venera 8 successfully reached Venus, Kosmos 482 encountered technical difficulties, preventing it from leaving Earth’s orbit.

The Accident Unfolds

The initial stages of the launch proceeded as planned, placing the spacecraft into a near-Earth orbit. Though, the final stage failed to properly orient the vehicle, preventing it from reaching its intended trajectory. Consequently,the mission was designated “Kosmos 482,” a common practice by the Soviet government in the 1970s to mask unsuccessful launches.

Did you know? The Soviet Union often used the “Kosmos” designation followed by a number to identify missions that did not go as planned, effectively concealing failures from the public.

According to NASA, the spacecraft broke into four parts. Two components burned up in the atmosphere within 48 hours, while the remaining two, including the landing module and the propulsion block, entered higher orbits.

Georgy Trishkin, author of the telegram channel Vestnikskiy, noted that The parts of the Titanium fuel tank left an orbit in a few days and fell in New Zealand. He added, The parts of the station and the fourth level of the rocket, also known as the L block, remain in an elongated elliptical orbit.The highest point is in a place about 9,800 km away from the earth and its lowest point is at an altitude of about 210 km.

Potential Impact Zone

Scientists predict the re-entry will occur in the second week of May. While the exact time and location remain uncertain, some experts suggest that the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Europe are potential impact zones.

One expert told BBC News that there is a possibility that the rides would hit the settlement area.

A Robust Design

The primary concern is that the landing module may not completely burn up during re-entry due to its robust design. Unlike spacecraft designed to disintegrate in the atmosphere, the Kosmos 482 landing module was built to withstand the harsh conditions of venus, including a dense atmosphere and high temperatures.

Pro Tip: Spacecraft intended for atmospheric entry are often designed with specific materials and shapes to ensure they burn up safely. Though, spacecraft designed for landing on other planets are built to withstand extreme conditions, increasing the risk of debris reaching the ground.

As Trishkin explained, The landing module itself is designed to re -enter the Venus atmosphere which is heavier, so the heat shield and the airpoint compartment are likely to survive from re -entering the atmosphere [Bumi]. However, it is unlikely that the device will be fully safe. He further noted, Observation indirectly indicates that he may have released his parachute for a long time. This means that the integrity of the structure is damaged and a lot depends on the entry profile back into the atmosphere.

NASA estimates the landing module weighs 495 kg.

Potential Consequences

trishkin’s calculations indicate that the debris is most likely to fall on land. He identified Egypt, Syria, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan as being within the Kosmos 482’s orbital path, raising concerns about potential impact on populated areas.

He estimates that If we assume the device is completely safe and crashes into the ground at an estimated speed of 242 km/hour, the implication energy will be in the range of 1.1-1.2 MJ, which can be equivalent to a number of several hundred grams of TNT (dynamite).

Half-Ton Soviet Spacecraft Falling to Earth! — A soyuz rocket is transported by train to the launch foundation at Site 31 at Kosmodrom Baikonur in Kazakhstan. (Getty Images / Nasa)

mir space station — The Mir space station being deorbited into the Pacific Ocean. (Getty Images / Nasa / Newsmakers)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Kosmos 482 expected to fall to Earth?

Estimates suggest between May 8 and 14.

Were is it likely to fall?

Potential impact zones include the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southeast Europe.

Why is this spacecraft a concern?

The landing module was designed to withstand Venus’s atmosphere,making it more likely to survive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

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