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HOW THE
MISSION WILL UNFOLD
 In
1974, a near collision with Jupiter knocked the Wild-2 comet off
course, deflecting its orbit closer to the sun, leading to its
discovery by Swiss astronomer Paul Wild in January 1978 on its
first close approach to Earth.
Stardust's
Path
 
 1995:
NASA selects Stardust mission to retrieve samples from Wild-2.
1999:
Stardust spacecraft launches with an expendable launch vehicle.
2000:
Stardust collects interstellar dust for the first time.
2002:
Stardust collects interstellar dust for the final time.
2004:
Stardust encounters Wild-2, flies through Wild-2's tail, takes
pictures, and collects comet particles.
2006:
Sample Return Capsule is expected to land Jan. 15 in the Utah
desert.
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