Genesis will capture a piece of the Sun -- a sample of the ions and elements in the solar wind -- and bring the samples back to Earth so that scientists can study the exact composition of the Sun and probe the solar system's origin. By studying the solar wind, scientists will find clues to the formation of the solar system as we know it today.

In 2004, Genesis' samples will return to Earth in a spectacular helicopter capture. As the sample return capsule parachutes to the ground in Utah's Air Force Test and Training Range, specially trained helicopter pilots will catch it.  The samples will then be analyzed to provide a "Rosetta Stone" of solar material, for comparing the Sun's original ingredients to those of the planets and other solar system bodies.

During the press opportunity, media will be taken to KSC's Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) to view the Genesis spacecraft with fully deployed solar arrays.  Before entering the high bay, Chet Sasaki, Genesis Project Manager from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Richard Bennett, Missions Systems Engineer from Lockheed Martin will give a short presentation on the role of the spacecraft. Genesis spokespersons will then be available inside the PHSF high bay for questions and interviews about the spacecraft and its mission.

Before entering the high bay clean room area, media must submit to a routine security search of camera and utility bags. Due to clean room requirements, media planning to attend are requested to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. No shorts, tank tops or sandals can be permitted. Media will don clean room attire (bunny suits) that will be provided.  No suede, leather or vinyl attire or accessories are permitted. Participants are asked not to wear makeup or lotions.

Quality control personnel will request photographers to clean camera equipment with alcohol wipes and place accessories in special plastic bags which will be provided.  No food, chewing gum, tobacco, lighters, matches, pocket knives or pencils will be permitted inside the clean room.

Electronic flash photography and wireless microphones are permitted.  The lighting in the facility is high-pressure sodium (orange).

Media representatives needing accreditation should contact the NASA-KSC News Center at 321/867-2468 by the close of business Tuesday, June 12.  Media will depart the KSC News Center at 9:30 a.m. for the PHSF.  Media will be returned to the NASA-KSC News Center by 11:30 a.m.