Genesis Solar Wind – Capture, Return, Curate and Analyze: Looking Backward Reviewing Sample Collection Hardware

Abstract

Genesis, as the first U.S. spacecraft to return astromaterial samples since Apollo, not only integrated the mission planning and flight teams, but also the science and sample curation teams during the mission development period. Since Genesis is a sample return mission, the Science Team was essential in certifying the collectors (sample containers for solar atoms). Burnett and the science team defined the purity of collector materials and ability to analyze solar wind composition to the precision required for planetary science. The science team’s choices included a variety of very pure materials which are described, including rationale for selection. The JPL Project Scientist networked with specialty vendors refining specifications and fabricating several of the materials. JPL engineering team designed and fabricated the collector arrays. LANL designed and built an electrostatic concentrator. JSC procured these materials with exacting specifications.