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[Al Degutis]

"Here Comes the Sun
On Sept. 8, NASA's Genesis mission is returning to Earth, bearing samples of the Sun. In a well-rehearsed midair maneuver, a helicopter will hook the spacecraft's return capsule and bring it gently and safely to the ground. The capsule's contents of solar wind may help scientists understand the origins of our solar system. The event, which takes place in the skies over Utah, will be broadcast live on NASA TV and the Internet."

Full text and images: www.genesismission.org/

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Yes...I have been following this mission, and really would like to see the capture as the helicopter snags it...it's kinda more exciting than the actual mission it's self.

During the cold war, they not only used helicopters, but actual propeller aircraft to yank the returning spacecrafts from the skies. Quite an achievement. Suppose one misses the capture......D'oh!

[NatureDevil]

.......you guys both heard hot this ended, right?

NatureDevil

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Genesis Makes a Nice Expensive Crater

Really, I'm not a bit surprised in the outcome. I do get very surprised, and content, when a mission actually goes right and accomplishes it's goals...considering the incompetence at NASA presently starting with...O'Keefe.

Now...Hiring "stunt men" to snag the parachute. What the hell is that? Is this NASA's admission that there are no competent pilots in the organization's pilot pool? How goofy.

I am impressed on the camera work. How the cameraman found it in the bright Utah skies, zoomed in on it, and kept it in frame is remarkable. But...where are the images of it streaking in the atmosphere like a screaming meteor?

There is question on boards and radio on it's re-entry: Considering that it re-entered at great speed, it only landed with a thud at 193 miles per hour! Is terminal velocity a factor here? Taking into consideration it's mass and other factors...it slowed from thousands of miles per hour...to only 193 mph? I guess physics rules, but I find the natural areo-braking forces astounding. I thought that it would have slammed into the Earth with such great force like a meteorite.

I like this one, as it shows the relative size of the spacecraft to the average man. I would have touched it to feel the heat...psssttt!

Although...The Genesis impact did make nice expensive radial ejecta rays....we could learn something from that.

The foil wrapping will be removed from the canister and dirt will be brushed off before the canister is moved into the clean room for analysis of the contents.

You think they will use a dust buster...or how about a swifter?

[NatureDevil]

From the reports I heard, they were able to recover some good data from it, making the whole thing not a complete waste.

The stuntmen thing I thought was goofy, but I read up on it. The lead guy specifically was a former Marine or Navy pilot, and after he retirede from military duty, he started doing the stunt gig, which is not bad. He has a pretty good record and endless hours of experience. Just wish it didn't cost so many millions of dollars for his to train only for it to be naught.

I am sure he is happy with his check though.

NatureDevil