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.

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.

Latest satellite tracking data reveals that its parachutes could already have been released after tumbling in low Earth orbit for over half a century.