Genesis

Author(s): Jack Higgins

Release date:

Genesis was a NASA sample-return probe that collected a sample of solar wind particles and returned them to Earth for analysis. It was the first NASA sample-return mission to return material since the Apollo program, and the first to return material from beyond the orbit of the Moon. Genesis was launched on August 8, 2001, and the sample return capsule crash-landed in Utah on September 8, 2004, after a design flaw prevented the deployment of its drogue parachute. The crash contaminated many of the sample collectors. Although most were damaged, some of the collectors were successfully recovered.

Genesis before launch, 2001

Genesis launch in Delta II rocket, August 8, 2001

Genesis sample return capsule damaged after ground impact, September 8, 2004

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