 |  | | | | Recovery of the Genesis Sample Return Capsule
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08.03.04
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This graph shows the events that will occur during the recovery of the Genesis sample return capsule in September 2004. The sample return capsule will separate from the remainder of the spacecraft about 4 hours before it encounters the Earth's atmosphere. Friction will initially slow the capsule, followed by deployment of two parachutes, a small drogue chute, then a larger main parachute. Two helicopters will be waiting to grab the capsule's parachute in mid-air as it glides toward Earth, so that it will not come in contact with Earth materials and contaminate its cargo of solar wind samples.
Credit: NASA/JPL
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