Stardust Capsule
Stardust was the first U.S. space mission dedicated solely to returning extraterrestrial material from beyond the Moon. It collected samples from Comet Wild 2 and interstellar dust. Launched in 1999, it returned to Earth seven years later, parachuting to a landing in the Utah desert in 2006.
The Stardust return system has six major components: a heat shield, back shell, sample canister, sample collector grids, parachute system, and avionics. The canister containing the samples was sealed in an exterior shell that protected them from the heat of reentering Earth's atmosphere. The material Stardust returned may date from the formation of the solar system. Scientific studies of the samples are altering our understanding of the universe. One major discovery is that ice-rich comets, the coldest and most distant bodies in the solar system, also contain fragments of materials.
NASA transferred Stardust to the Museum in 2008.
Display Status
This object is on display in Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Key Accomplishment(s)
First Comet Sample Return Mission
Brief Description
Stardust was the first U.S. space mission dedicated solely to returning extraterrestrial material from beyond the Moon. It collected samples from Comet Wild 2 and interstellar dust. Launched in 1999, it returned to Earth seven years later, landing in the Utah desert in 2006.
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin Missile and Space Corporation
Dimensions
Overall: 86.36 x 157.48 x 81.28cm, 45.8kg (2ft 10in. x 5ft 2in. x 2ft 8in., 101lb.)
Materials
Aluminum, ablative aeroshell, electronics
Alternate Name
Stardust Capsule
Inventory Number
A20080417000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Open Access (CCO)
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