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Space Topics: Genesis

Genesis Facts

 

Mission Objectives

Genesis’ goal was to capture charged particles from the solar wind and return them to Earth. In particular, it was to collect oxygen isotopes O16 and O18 and measure their relative abundances. By comparing the these with known isotope ratios in other parts of the solar system, scientists hope to learn about how the solar system developed and changed since its formation 4.5 billion years ago.

 

Spacecraft

Mass: 494 kilograms (1089 pounds)
Collector Array surface: Over 1 square meter (10 square feet)

 

Scientific Instruments:

Collector Arrays, composed of high-purity materials. The collectors capture solar wind ions that become embedded in the array’s surface as a result of high-speed collisions.
Concentrator: An electrostatic mirror that concentrates light elements, enabling high-precision isotopic analysis. Its primary function is to identify and monitor oxygen isotopes.
Solar Wind Monitors provide real-time data used to control collectors and the concentrator.

Links

Genesis home page: http://genesismission.jpl.nasa.gov/