NASA Prepares for Return of Interstellar Cargo
Artist's concept depicting Stardust spacecraft nearing
Earth for delivery of sample return capsule.
Image source: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Earth for delivery of sample return capsule.
Image source: NASA / JPL-Caltech
Via NASA.
NASA's Stardust mission is nearing Earth after a 2.88 billion mile round-trip journey to return cometary and interstellar dust particles back to Earth. Scientists believe the cargo will help provide answers to fundamental questions about comets and the origins of the solar system.
The velocity of the sample return capsule, as it enters the Earth's atmosphere at 28,860 mph, will be the fastest of any human-made object on record. It surpasses the record set in May 1969 during the return of the Apollo 10 command module. The capsule is scheduled to return on Jan. 15.
posted by Fergie @ 12/21/2005 11:48:00 AM
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