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Key Stardust Dates

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.