Stardust Return Capsule Milestones ** Listed in Eastern Time
Capsule Milestones |
Mission Overview
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Date/Time (all times are approximate)
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Event
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Jan. 15, 12:57 a.m.
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Stardust spacecraft releases return capsule on a path towards Earth.
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1:18 a.m.
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Stardust spacecraft fires thrusters to put in into orbit around sun.
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4:57 a.m.
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Return capsule enters Earth atmosphere.
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5 a.m.
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Return capsule's first parachute, or drogue, deploys.
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5:05 a.m.
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Capsule's main parachute deploys.
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5:12 a.m.
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Return capsule lands inside U.S. Air Force's Utah Test and Training Range.
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approximately 5:22 a.m.
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Helicopter and crew land near return capsule.
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approximately 7:20 a.m.
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Return capsule arrives by helicopter to temporary cleanroom at Michael Army Air Field
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