MISSION SUMMARY: Genesis returns solar matter for compositional analysis in terrestrial laboratories. Ultra-pure materials will be exposed to the solar wind for two years. Because the Sun comprises >99% of the mass of our solar system, average solar system isotopic and elemental compositions can be obtained. Basic feasibility was demonstrated by short (2-40 hour) exposures during Apollo.

MISSION STATUS: As Suess-Urey we have completed Phase A, producing a full Implementation Plan and Science Requirements Document. We tied for first in the Discovery 4 competition. In this proposal we have maintained our strengths (excellent in science and mission implementation; highest rating for management)), but we have worked hard to improve significantly the areas where we were weak (good for cost; fair for outreach). We are ready for Phase B.

The highly diverse objects of our solar system originated from a relatively homogeneous solar nebula. Ultimately, the correct theories for the origins of these objects, including planetary atmospheres, will be validated by their predictions of chemical and isotopic compositions relative to the average nebular composition preserved in the surface layers of the Sun. Genesis provides solar abundances at the precision required to test these theories. Moreover, Genesis will test fundamental assumptions, such as whether or not solar and nebular compositions are identical.

• Obtain precise solar isotopic abundances. Essentially no data of sufficient precision for planetary science objectives are available.
• Obtain greatly improved solar elemental abundances by factor of 3-10 in accuracy.
• Provide a reservoir of solar matter for 21st century science. There need be only one solar wind sample return mission.

• Isotopic compositions of O, N, and noble gases. These data enable interpretation of isotopic variations in meteorites, lunar samples, and planetary atmospheres.

Collector Arrays (JPL) High purity materials into which solar wind ions are implanted. Different arrays sample the 3 different kinds of solar wind (regimes), providing corrections for any elemental or isotopic differences between solar wind and solar abundances.

Concentrator (LANL) An electrostatic mirror concentrates (factor >20) elements up to Ne, necessary to achieve required precision for highest priority objective (O isotopes).

Monitors (LANL) Ion and electron electrostatic analyzers provide data to set concentrator voltages and to deploy appropriate array for prevailing regime.

Laboratory Analytical Instruments Genesis samples will be analyzed in Advanced Analytical Instrument Facilities, selected based on open competition and developed in Phase E.

A spinning spacecraft will be inserted into a halo orbit about the L1 Lagrangian point (0.01 AU from Earth) where collector arrays will be exposed to the solar wind for two years, stowed into a contamination-tight canister within a Sample Return Capsule (SRC), and returned to Earth for mid-air recovery in Utah. In case of bad weather, 10 day parking orbits permit delayed entry. Allowable launch periods are very wide.

• Analytical instruments are on the ground and do not have to meet constraints of space flight.
• New data as state-of-art instruments evolve; important results can be replicated.
• Wide international participation by many scientists, including international.

• Flexible launch periods; not constrained by planetary alignments.
• Low energy trajectory (C₃=-0.6 km²/s²; delta V=212 m/s); Delta 7326 more than adequate.
• Short cruises (3 & 5 months); 3/4 of 31-month mission devoted to science mission devoted to science.
• Multiple opportunities for simple (V_infinity = 0) re-entry.

• Sun oriented; spin stabilized; fixed solar arrays
• Low data rate; short range from Earth
• Simple passive thermal control, fixed antenna
• Constant geometry; No encounters
• High margins; 44% mass, 60% power, 63% delta-v
• Commonality with MGS, MSP & Stardust

• Public and educational interest in how our solar system formed. This is an area not developed by other projects. Good overlap with Origins and Solar programs.
• Combined education/public outreach program, using video and CD-ROM.
• Excitement of first extraterrestrial material return visible to public, 2 years before Stardust.
• Infusion of advanced analytical facilities into NASA science programs and transfer of this technology to semiconductor industry.

The Genesis spacecraft is built around a Sample Return Capsule (SRC) containing an ultra-clean canister which houses the collector arrays and concentrator. Spacecraft subsystems and monitors are mounted beneath the SRC.

SCHEDULE

Phase B	8 months
Phase C/D	29.5 months
Launch	Jan. 2001
Recovery	Aug. 2003
Phase E	2/01 - 7/07

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