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.

A Soviet spacecraft is expected to come hurtling back to Earth after being stuck in orbit for more than 50 years. The Kosmos 482 probe was intended to reach Venus, however, it never got to its destination.

The failed Venus probe launched by Soviet Union 53 years ago is expected to fall back to Earth this week and satellite trackers are analysing it through pictures. Ralf Vandebergh of the Netherlands has shared several images of the Cosmos 482 spacecraft which is losing altitude with each passing day.