Part of a Soviet-era spacecraft known as Cosmos 482 may return to Earth this week, more than 50 years after it embarked on a botched mission to Venus.

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.

NASA scientists say a 1972 probe launched by the Soviet Union may meet a fiery end crashing back into Earth in the coming days.