likely event of a problem
preventing accurate targeting for entry, an option exists
to delay the release of the capsule and make a course
change that would place the entire spacecraft into orbit
around the Earth. Another sample return attempt would
follow approximately six months later.
How do you catch the sample before it hits the ground?
Nearly 19 miles above the ground over
UTTR, the capsule begins to decelerate by releasing a
small "drogue" parachute, which helps to slow down
and stabilize the 500-pound capsule. Moments later,
when the capsule is about 20,000 feet above ground,
a larger rectangular-shaped parafoil like a skydiver's
chute allows the capsule to gently spiral downward at
just 10 miles per hour. Meanwhile, two chase
helicopters (one lead and one backup) outfitted with
specially designed retrieval equipment, maneuver for
a mid-air capture. The lead helicopter follows the
parafoil's glide path, hooks and collapses the chute,
and gently lowers the capsule into a sealed container.
This is all done in an effort to safely transport the
capsule to contamination-controlled laboratory tents,
without disturbing the solar samples inside.
What if you miss catching it and it parachutes to the ground?
If the sample return capsule lands on its
own, some of the delicate collector materials will
likely break, making the sample more difficult to
identify and categorize. The sample would still be
valuable, but it would take longer for scientists to sort
through the broken pieces.
Are there any dangerous substances that could be released from the capsule?
Batteries in the capsule
contain sulfur dioxide, which, as with any battery,
will be treated with caution in the capsule recovery.
What if it lands and you can't find it?
tracking data would be used to determine the vicinity
of the capsule, and a radio beacon would help
pinpoint its location for pickup.
Will it make any strange noises or be visible as it comes in from space?
Probably not, but it's
possible a sonic boom may be heard somewhere
along the descent path from Oregon to Utah. The
capsule probably will not make any visible streaks in
the sky as it descends through the atmosphere but it
might. The capsule itself is less than five feet in
diameter, probably too small to be seen, though its
parachute will be visible to the retrieval helicopter
pilots and possibly to nearby viewers at the test
For more information, see
, or contact Aimee
Whalen at 818-354-3245 or firstname.lastname@example.org