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National Aeronautics and Space Administration John F. Kennedy Space Center Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899 FOR RELEASE: 09/17/2004 VIDEO NO: KSC-04-S-00316 CAPTIONED IN: ENGLISH |
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| Scientists analyzing solar wind samples returned by the Genesis mission are getting a welcome boost to their spirits. It appears that several of the most important samples survived the hard landing the return capsule experienced Sept. 8 in the Utah desert. At least two of the four segments that collected oxygen isotopes are still in place. From these isotopes, scientists hope to learn more about the role oxygen played in the birth of our solar system, the mission's main objective. Scientists' second priority is to study nitrogen isotopes, which could help explain how atmospheres formed around the planets in our solar system. Fortunately, the gold foil they'll use in that analysis was found intact. Hexagonal wafers and foils on the canister's lid gathered other samples during the mission, and a large portion appears to be recoverable. The spacecraft's robust design is credited with saving so much of the mission's science. | |
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