RETURNED HARDWARE

Genesis Returned Hardware

During a one day workshop, the following information was captured as possible materials and components that might be available to evaluate.

The Genesis spacecraft capsule that contains the primary science mission collectors will be captured in September, 2004.  After the science collectors are removed from the capsule, many materials and components will be left.  This hardware is the focus of the SEERS Project.

The Sample Return Capsule (SRC) will have been exposed ~2.5 years in a halo orbit in L1 environment.  Some SRC statistics:

Weight: 460 lbs. (210 kgs)
Diameter: 62 inches (1.62 meters)

The following has been identified to date:

• Heat shield
  - Carbon-carbon covered graphite epoxy
   

• Back shell
  - Graphite epoxy covered with SLA-561V silicone
   

• Mechanisms
  - Lock ring device
  - Canister lid device/hinge
  - Collector array deployment mechanism
   

• Parachute system
  - 1.6 meter drogue chute
  - 10 meter x 4 meter main chute
   

• Thermal control paints
  - Hughes M1 white paint
  - ITO coated multiplayer insulation
   

• Sample return canister
  - Aluminum
  - Nextel rope seal (~16 feet)
   

• Avionics
   

• Seals

The Project hopes to increase this list during FY04.

Stardust Returned Hardware
(Currently not identified)