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Samples return to Earth FROM NASA PRESS KIT Posted: December 30, 2003
Soon after the final trajectory maneuver at an altitude of 110,728 kilometers (68,805 miles), Stardust will release its sample return capsule. A spring mechanism will impart a spin to the capsule as it is pushed away from the spacecraft in order to stabilize it. After the capsule has been released, the main spacecraft will perform a maneuver to divert itself to avoid entering Earth's atmosphere. The spacecraft will remain in orbit around the Sun. The capsule will enter Earth's atmosphere at a velocity of approximately 12.8 kilometers per second (28,600 miles per hour). The capsule's aerodynamic shape and center of gravity are designed like a badminton shuttlecock so that the capsule will automatically orient itself with its nose down as it enters the atmosphere. As the capsule descends, its speed will be reduced by friction on its heat shield, a 60- degree half-angle blunt cone made of a graphite-epoxy composite covered with a new, lightweight thermal protection system. The capsule will slow to a speed about 1.4 times the speed of sound at an altitude of about 30 kilometers (100,000 feet), at which time a small pyrotechnic charge will be fired, releasing a drogue parachute. After descending to about 3 kilometers (10,000 feet), a line holding the drogue chute will be cut, allowing the drogue to pull out a larger parachute that will carry the capsule to its soft landing. At touchdown, the capsule will be traveling at approximately 4.5 meters per second (14.8 feet per second), or about 16 kilometers per hour (10 miles per hour). In all, about 10 minutes will elapse between the beginning of the entry into Earth's atmosphere until the parachute is deployed.
The actual landing footprint will be predicted by tracking the spacecraft just before the capsule's release. Roughly six hours before entry, an updated footprint will be provided to the capsule recovery team. Ground recovery |
Mission data Encounter - Detailed preview of Stardust's rendezvous with Comet Wild 2. The return - How Stardust brings the comet samples back to Earth. Stardust - A technical description of the spacecraft and its various pieces. Comet Wild 2 - Comet is the right snowball in right place at the right time for Stardust mission. Science - A look at the scientific objectives of the Stardust mission. Curation - An overview of how the samples will be handled on Earth and planetary protection issues. Other missions - Several past spacecraft have studied comets and future missions are planned. Final Shuttle Mission Patch Free shipping to U.S. addresses! The crew emblem for the final space shuttle mission is now available in our store. Get this piece of history!STS-134 Patch Free shipping to U.S. addresses! The final planned flight of space shuttle Endeavour is symbolized in the official embroidered crew patch for STS-134. Available in our store!Ares 1-X Patch The official embroidered patch for the Ares 1-X rocket test flight, is available for purchase.Apollo Collage This beautiful one piece set features the Apollo program emblem surrounded by the individual mission logos.Project Orion The Orion crew exploration vehicle is NASA's first new human spacecraft developed since the space shuttle a quarter-century earlier. The capsule is one of the key elements of returning astronauts to the Moon.Fallen Heroes Patch Collection The official patches from Apollo 1, the shuttle Challenger and Columbia crews are available in the store.Apollo 11 special patch Special collectors' patch marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing is now available.U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide Inside Apollo mission control
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