United States Air Force Genesis Delta 7326-9.5
About the Genesis Mission
- Type: Planetary Science
- Orbit: Heliocentric L1
Launch delayed from February 10 and July 30. The Genesis probe flew to the Earth-Sun L1 Lagrangian point and spend two years collecting samples of the solar wind. The collected samples were to be physically returned to Earth in a sample return capsule (air-snatch recovery was planned over Utah) and analysed in ground-based laboratories. On September 8, 2004, the Genesis space probe became the first spacecraft to return from beyond lunar orbit to the Earth's surface. The Genesis Sample Return Capsule separated from the spacecraft on September 8, 66,000 km above the Earth. The capsule successfully re-entered the atmosphere over Oregon at 11 km/s, but a wiring error resulted in the drogue parachute release mortar failing to fire at 33 km altitude. The capsule crashed to earth at 90 m/s in the Dugway Proving Ground at 40 07 40 N 113 30 29 W. Although the vehicle was smashed, some of the samples could be retrieved.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 17A
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The Space Launch Complex 17A launch pad has hosted 145 rocket launches, including 145 orbital launch attempts. The Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA launch site has been the location for 1111 total rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
McDonnell Douglas Delta II 7326-9.5 Rocket
Delta II was an expendable launch system, originally designed and built by McDonnell Douglas. Delta II was part of the Delta rocket family and entered service in 1989. Delta II vehicles included the Delta 6000, and the two later Delta 7000 variants ("Light" and "Heavy"). The rocket flew its final mission ICESat-2 on 15 September 2018, earning the launch vehicle a streak of 100 successful missions in a row, with the last failure being GPS IIR-1 in 1997.
Learn more about the McDonnell Douglas Delta II 7326-9.5 Rocket
About United States Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Delta II Genesis launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Delta II Genesis launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Delta II Genesis mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Delta II rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the Genesis mission?
The Genesis mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Delta II rocket. Delta II was an expendable launch system, originally designed and built by McDonnell Douglas. Delta II was part of the Delta rocket family and entered service in 1989. Delta II vehicles included the Delta 6000, and the two later Delta 7000 variants ("Light" and "Heavy"). The rocket flew its final mission ICESat-2 on 15 September 2018, earning the launch vehicle a streak of 100 successful missions in a row, with the last failure being GPS IIR-1 in 1997. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the United States Air Force Delta II Genesis launch?
The United States Air Force Delta II Genesis launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the United States Air Force Delta II Genesis launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Delta II launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Genesis mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official United States Air Force live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.