On February 7th, Stardust began its long journey to Comet Wild 2. You can watch the entire launch video online at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Web site . Click on image for larger view. Stardust will fly by Comet Wild 2 in 2004 where it will take measurements and images and capture particles of dust from the coma. The spacecraft will return home in January 2006 where it will eject a capsule that will be recovered on Earth's surface.
Scientists expect to retreive less than one ounce of comet dust.
Stardust will be the first U.S. spacecraft to visit a comet. Courtesy Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory. Click on image for larger view. Its density is about 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter. This is close to the average density of Earth's crust and minor planet 243 Ida, and twice as dense as minor planet 253 Mathilde.