1999-003 |
Delta 7426-9.5 |
USA |
| Launch vehicle: | Delta 7426-9.5 |
| Launch vehicle ID: | D266 |
| Payload: | Stardust |
| Launch date: | 07 Feb 1999 |
| Launch site: | CC, LC-17A |
Description:
- A Boeing Delta II rocket lifts off the pad at 4:04 p.m. EST Feb. 7, 1999, carrying NASA’s STARDUST spacecraft
on the first leg of a galactic search and recovery mission.
- During its seven-year mission, the STARDUST spacecraft will collect interstellar dust and dust from the comet known
as Wild 2, returning the samples to Earth in 2006. Additionally, photographs and dust analysis will be performed during
the spacecraft fly-by of comet Wild 2.
- It is the first NASA mission to collect extraterrestrial material from outside the orbit of the Moon.
Ref.: #71 - update: 08.04.12