Space

DATE=9/8/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=GENESIS CRASH (S-UPD)

NUMBER=2-318837

BYLINE=JESSICA BERMAN

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

INTERNET=

HEADLINE: US Space Capsule Crashes In Utah Desert

INTRO: The highly-publicized capture of the Genesis space craft came to a catastrophic end when the capsule crashed to the ground in Utah. VOA's Jessica Berman reports a parachute designed to slow the space vehicle's descent did not deploy, resulting in a disastrous landing.

TEXT: In a maneuver designed to avoid a crash landing, helicopters - including one piloted by a Hollywood stunt pilot - stood ready to snag the Genesis space vehicle out of the skies above Utah.

But within moments after the Genesis capsule entered earth's atmosphere, controllers realized there was a serious problem.

/// MISSION CONTROLLERS ///

"Looks like we have a no 'chute, sir. Vector 2-0-0-.. (unintelligible). Look for an impact."

/// END ACT ///

A parachute attached to the Genesis, designed to slow the space capsule so the helicopters could capture it, did not deploy, and the space vehicle plunged to the ground at around 160-kilometers per hour. It appears the vehicle sustained heavy damage.

Genesis was deployed three-years ago to collect solar wind from deep space, which scientists hope will tell them more about the formation of the universe. (SIGNED)

NEB/JB/RAE